Maine warns of dangerous, unpredictable early ice; check thickness every 20 feet and wear safety gear.

Maine officials warn that early-season ice is unpredictable despite cold weather, with safety varying due to local factors like springs, currents, and temperature shifts. Experts urge testing ice every 20 feet from shore, requiring 4–6 inches for walking, 5–7 inches for snowmobiling, and up to 15 inches for vehicles. Clear blue ice is strongest; white, gray, or black ice may signal weakness. Safety gear, including ice picks and life jackets, is essential, and people should never go onto ice alone. Hidden weak spots from groundwater seeps or inlets can compromise even seemingly solid ice.