Manice- Chapter 6
Ice Thickness Measurements and Reports
Photo 6.1: Snow depth measurement.
Photo by Katherine Willson (CIS)
- Weekly Ice Thickness Reports
- Ice Thickness Monthly Reports
- Examples of Ice thickness Reports
This chapter deals with the measurement and reporting of ice thickness and snow depth. The depth of snow is important to know because it has a direct bearing on the ice thickness due to it's insulating qualities. These measurements are important operationally since they provide a means to estimate the general thickness of the ice cover around the area. They are also important climatological records that users need for ice modeling, building infrastructures and, most recently, studies in climate change. Annual data summaries are produced from these measurements.
The observer shall ensure that the site selected has a depth of water greater than the maximum ice thickness expected for the year. The ice thickness and snow depth shall be measured, as near as practicable, at the same location throughout the ice season, and from one season to the next. The site should be on undeformed (level) and undisturbed ice. When the auger is used, a new hole shall be drilled for each measurement made in order to obtain the thickness of the entire ice layer. If a tidal crack is a permanent feature at the station, the site selected should be slightly seaward of the crack.
