Be careful out there. In spite of today's first real snow, the ice on area lakes and rivers is likely not safe for crossing yet. Some safe ice thicknesses from NH Fish and Game:
From From Foster's Democrat:
New Hampshire Fish and Game recommends to determine the thickness of ice by chopping a hole in it prior to wandering on it.Posted by jackhodgson at December 20, 2004 01:23 PMAs a rule of thumb for new, clear ice, there should be a minimum of 4 to 6 inches to support a few well-dispersed people; 6 to 7 inches for small, on-foot group activities; and at least 8 to 10 inches for snowmobile activities.
Ice is generally thinner where there is moving water, such as inlets and outlets, around wharves, bridge abutments, islands and objects that protrude through the ice.
People should not go on the ice during thaws and should avoid ice that is cracked, squishy or honeycombed, as well as dark snow or dark ice.