December 19:  Since we were in Niles it was decided to look at possible alternatives for the New Years Dive in the event we do not have good ice to dive thru. At the launch we had a fair amount of snow covering and the river had a few small icebergs flowing downstream. The shore line ice buildup was not bad and only extended 10 to 15 feet or so off the shore. The ice near shore was solid enough to walk on but near the rim it was not. Did a test dive to check the visibility, current and how easy it would be to break ice  from under it.  Visibility was ok, meaning +3 feet, but the current was such that a surface line and tender were necessary.

Now, for those who are curious about breaking ice if you’re caught under it.  If you are shallow, meaning in about 3 feet of water under the ice shelf and with your feet on the bottom, then raising yourself forcefully up using your tank to hit the ice, you would be out of luck breaking through.  That’s why you ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS have a line and tender when working on and under the ice.

Ok, dive – but not at night with 6 or 8 divers in the water.