Due to warm weather, the ice road has been closed, as of 6 a.m. on Feb. 28.
LAC LA BICHE – Every winter, residents of the Lac La Biche region can drive across Lac La Biche Lake thanks to the ice road that is constructed on the lake’s frozen surface.
According to Randi Dupras, Lac La Biche County’s manager of public works, the seasonal road, which runs for just over 4 km from the Maccagno Point boat launch on the south side of Lac La Biche Lake to the Poplar Point boat launch on the north side, is a convenient way for people to get around to different communities.
“This road is used frequently. Residents on the north side of the lake can cut their commute time significantly,” Dupras told Lakeland This Week.
As to when the ice road opens for public use, Dupras said this varies from year to year depending on ice conditions and thickness. This year, people started using the road on Jan. 28.
Lac La Biche County transportation services staff monitor the ice road to determine if it is safe for people to travel. This involves drilling holes in the ice at various locations to confirm ice thickness, as well as checking the type of ice in the area.
To be deemed safe for travel, ice thickness needs to be at least 38 cm (15 inches) for light vehicles (<22,500 kilograms) and at least 85 cm (34 inches) for heavier traffic (<22,500 kilograms).
“The Lac La Biche ice road is opened for traffic once the ice thickness reaches 53 cm (21 inches) and has a maximum allowable weight of 4,500 kg,” Dupras explained.
When monitoring ice conditions on the lake road, County staff look at the strength of both blue ice and white ice.
Blue ice, which contains less air bubbles, and generally is clear enough to see through, is the strongest type of ice. White ice encompasses more air bubbles, is formed when water floods the surface of the blue ice and therefore is not as strong.
There are other types of ice, namely frazil and jam ice, Dupras continued, which are frequently found on rivers and have the least amount of strength.
How is this ice road built?
Typically, the equipment involved in making the thoroughfare includes two tractors, a pickup truck, an ATV, along with small tools such as ice augers.
“Work is completed in-house or through contracted services, depending on availability,” Dupras said. “Time to complete this work varies depending on a few factors, including the amount of snow, the presence of overflow on the ice, ice heaves, etc.”
Just as ice thickness and conditions determine when the ice road is safe to be opened for public travel, they are also factors when deciding how late into the season the road will stay open.
When travelling on the ice road, Dupras said, there are safety considerations motorists need to consider. Users of the road do so at their own risk and must ensure they go no faster than the posted speed limit of 30 kilometres per hour. Weight for vehicles must be under 4,500 kg, and drivers are urged to keep away from both ice heaves and mouths of tributaries.
Ice heaves and mouths of tributaries generally indicate there may be a loss of ice thickness.
“It is important to avoid these areas,” said Dupras.
