Module 1   Observe…and Explore! Good to Know! Ice Thickness versus Ice Strength
Note: Since ice strength is related to temperature, the following table applies to ice that is cold. Ice that is near 0ºC is weak and will not be able to support the same weight as colder ice—regardless of the ice thickness. If the snow is beginning to melt, then the ice is losing its strength.
SAFE LOAD One person 0.4 ton
2 ton vehicle
10 ton tracked vehicle 13 ton aircraft
OPERATION at rest
moving slowly moving slowly moving slowly parked
FRESH ICE 8 cm
10 cm 25 cm 43 cm 61 cm
Source: National Research Council of Canada, developed by E.R. Pounder.
The first step is to locate the approximate current location of the expedition team using the Trail Report and the map on page one of the student page!