Thin ice may exist anywhere on water bodies, at any time, in the winter season. Assess ice thickness and never go onto ice alone. The Canadian Red Cross recommends an ice thickness of at least 15 cm for walking and skating safely; the thicker the ice, the better. Be sure to check and prepare for the weather before you depart, file a trip plan, bring the right gear and clothing, and be sure to bring the essential items you should have when meeting winter on its own terms.
Note: The Peace Athabasca Delta and moving rivers are subject to seasonally and yearly changes in water flow and volume which are not always regular or predictable from year to year.
Come prepared, learn the skills and consider taking an ice rescue course prior to venturing out. Winter is a wonderful time to explore Wood Buffalo National Park, and discover the tracks of the wild animals that live there. The best way of exploring official trails in Wood Buffalo is to go snowshoeing or winter walking with good snowboots or ice cleats. Exercise caution and watch for ice, deep snow, or fallen trees. For tips on preparing for a winter adventure visit AdventureSmart.
In Wood Buffalo National Park, your safety is your personal responsibility. While many hazards exist, the risk of personal injury you face can be minimized by taking reasonable precautions. Caution and self-reliance are essential, along with a knowledge of natural hazards, experience in avoiding them and successfully dealing with them when they happen.
Pick trips that reflect your level of ability. Hypothermia is the lowering of the interior body temperature, and is caused by exposure to the cold, aggravated by wetness, wind and personal exhaustion. Hypothermia can be fatal. Frostbite is the freezing of the body tissues. There is a sensation of numbness, the skin turns white, yellow-white and mottled blue-white and the area becomes cold and insensitive to touch.
