Alaska’s heavy snowfalls and cold temperatures cause winter ice build up. Keep in mind that Alaskan winter activities are often accompanied by inherent hazards. When playing, fishing, or traveling over ice, it’s very important to consider possible risks. Be aware of the different thickness levels and types of ice in your area.

Understanding Ice Thickness

The strength associated with winter ice thickness varies between river, pond, and lake ice conditions. For example, river ice is 15% weaker than lake ice at the same thickness. Be wary of ice covered in slush. This could indicate the ice isn’t frozen completely through. Be sure the ice is solid, clear, blue, or black before walking out to test the thickness level.

According to the chart provided by Bethel Search and Rescue’s Ice Thickness Safety Information – ice must be at least 4 inches thick for a group of people to walk single file. Additionally, 7.5  to 10 inches of winter ice can support the weight of common vehicles.

Alaska winter ice fishing safety precautions are extremely important. Always check the ice levels surrounding the area you choose to fish. Test ice yourself using an ice chisel, auger or cordless drill with a long drill bit. Be cautious of cracks and holes in the ice and avoid going near them.

Be aware that ice doesn’t usually freeze uniformly, so while one area can be a foot thick, another spot nearby could be only a few inches thick. Keep in mind that new winter ice is generally stronger than old ice because older ice has likely warmed and cooled repeatedly and could have thin or weak areas throughout.

Keep Kids Safe On Winter Ice

Safe winter fun starts with planning and preparation. Be aware of weather conditions and review winter ice conditions before allowing children to skate or fish. Teach them how to safely walk and play on ice by distributing their weight appropriately and staying aware of their surroundings.

Help kids stay safe and warm. They should dress appropriately for winter weather activities. Children should wear layers to stay warm and dry. Appropriate protective gear should also be worn when playing in the snow or on winter ice. A helmet and mouth guard helps prevent injury from falls.

Adult supervision is very important when children are ice skating, playing hockey, or sledding, to help prevent injuries. Never leave children unattended when playing on winter ice.

Johnson Law encourages Alaskans to prioritize safety by planning, preparing, and monitoring all winter ice activities to help create a safer 2026. This includes following official guidelines and exercising caution, as no ice is ever 100% safe.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Image Source: Alaska.org: Rod’s Alaska Guide Service

Be Safe In Alaska’s Winter Weather

Wear appropriate gear for Alaska’s winter weather. Size and fit matter, having equipment that properly fits can prevent or reduce the severity of injuries. When participating in sports such as skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, and even sledding, be sure to wear proper protection and always wear a helmet.

Stay hydrated and encourage children to drink water throughout the day while enjoying Alaska winter fun. Children are at a greater risk of dehydration, even more-so when playing in extreme temperatures. Also be aware that on sunny days it is still important to apply sunscreen to exposed skin.

Stay Warm Outdoors

Dressing in layers is key to staying warm when going outside into the cold and snow of Alaska’s winter weather. It’s just as important when playing sports or participating in outdoor activities in the winter, as layers can be removed if needed. Wear water-resistant outer layers to stay dry.

Staying warm is essential to preventing frostbite and hypothermia. Bring kids indoors periodically to warm up as children lose body heat more quickly than adults.

Have Fun In Alaska’s Winter Weather

Get out of the house and have fun this winter with friends and family.  Take a class to learn to snowboard, ski, ice skate, or snow shoe. Try playing hockey or learn curling. Start a snowball fight, make a snow angel or snowman, or go sledding or tubing. There are many ways to stay active and enjoy being outside even during the winter months.

Children are some of the most at-risk individuals during winter. They love being outside, but with the Alaska winter fun of outdoor activities comes danger. While parents generally put their children’s needs first, that is not always the case when children are with others. For instance, a child in school should be monitored. If they are on the playground, it’s important for someone to watch to make sure they do not get hurt.

Keep Children Warm

In Alaska’s winter weather, it is even more important to watch children, since temperatures can drop dramatically resulting in hypothermia or frostbite. It is always a good idea to keep your children in warm areas or near warm areas when they’re playing.

Another risk to children in Alaska’s winter weather is use of snowplows. Remind your child to stay away from the streets on days when they are home from school. If they run into the street or are playing in snow piles, it’s possible they could be hit by a snowplow.

If they are meant to be inside for a play date and you find out your child is sick or suffering from hypothermia because the other person didn’t let him or her inside, this could be constituted as negligence. The same is true if a school has no heat and decides to continue with class despite risks to the children. Remember, if someone who is supposed to keep your child safe in Alaska’s winter weather and doesn’t, you could have a case against that individual for negligence. Your attorney can help you decide if you should pursue the case.

Johnson Law has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are.

And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Please call Johnson Law to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Sources: Safe Kids Worldwide; Visit Anchorage, Alaska

Image Source: Visit Anchorage, Alaska

Make A Plan To Keep Kids Warm and Safe

Make a plan of where your kids will be and how long you’ll be outdoors. If your children want to spend a lot of time outdoors, incorporate breaks to come indoors and warm up before going back outside. If there are children playing in groups, plan to check-in periodically, ensuring everyone stays safe and is having fun.

Be sure everyone has eaten and had a glass of water before leaving the house. Take breaks from spending long periods of time outdoors to get warm indoors and refuel and rehydrate.

Keep Kids Warm

There’s an increased risk for children during winter to experience frostbite or hypothermia. Their smaller bodies not only burn energy more quickly, requiring more frequent snacks and drinks, but kids also lose body heat more easily. Follow these tips for dressing to keep kids warm:

• Dress in layers to better control body temperature when staying out for long periods. 
• Avoid cotton-based clothing for base layers. Cotton retains moisture which could lower body temperature.
• Wear a middle layer that keeps the body well insulated, like wool or down clothing.
• Outer layers should be weather appropriate to protect from snow, wind, rain, or extreme temperatures.

Keep all areas of the body warm by having all winter gear available when leaving the house. A hat, face mask, gloves or mittens, a scarf or neck warmer, warm socks, and weather resistant boots will ensure extremities are kept warm and dry.

Gearing Up For Warmth and Safety

The school bus is a great resource for children to travel to and from school. Much of the school year in Alaska involves colder weather, making it important to consider school bus safety in winter months. Help children ensure they arrive to school and return home safely.

In winter, children need to be bundled up in layers. Buses may break down or heaters may not work properly.

It is also important for children to wear reflective gear when traveling via bus because days are short in Alaska. Children traveling alone to the bus stop or children that are first on or last off especially need to be seen by drivers.

Many schools try to route bus stops close to children’s homes. If the bus stop is further from your home and your child walks to their stop, give your child a flashlight to carry. Visibility helps keep kids safe.

School Bus Awareness

When driving near a school bus route or during peak hours, look for school buses regularly. Do not follow too closely as school buses take longer to stop. Icy roads and snow buildup may delay stopping time for buses.

When a school bus has the stop sign up, stop your vehicle and wait. Children sometimes run out in front of vehicles because they are distracted or do not know better. It is up to you to keep kids safe by paying attention when a school bus is nearby.

If you see a school bus pulled over on the side of the road, slow down and keep an eye out for the driver or children when passing. School bus drivers often need to stop to add chains to tires or clean the windshield and windows to keep kids safe.

School buses are sometimes involved in accidents. If this happens, parents may need to file claims for children wo are hurt in the accident.

Keep Kids Safe As Pedestrians

It’s important for children to be visible so that other people and drivers are able to see them, especially after it gets dark out. Sunset in Alaska comes early in the winter months, leaving many pedestrians in the dark.

Keep kids safe with reflective gear or by adding reflective tape to the outermost layer of clothing to increase their visibility to drivers. Carrying a flashlight also helps drivers see them. 

Keep kids safe and warm. Teach children to stay to the side of roadways and to always wear their reflective winter layer clothing.

This piece on Keeping Kids Safe and Warm is the third of a nine-part winter safety series. See our safety tips for Outdoor Winter Walking Safety; Home Heating Safety; Cold Weather Vehicle Safety; Driving in Ice and Snow; Snowmachine Safety; Removing Ice and Snow Safely; and Surviving Extreme Cold.

Please call Johnson Law, P.C. to discuss your case: (907)277-3090 or use our online contact form.

Johnson Law, P.C. has been helping Alaskans for nearly 30 years. It’s who we are. And while we hope you never need us… We’re here if you do. ~ Doug Johnson

Sources: Healthy Children; American Heart Association

Image Source: USA Today