The Danger of Ice Caves - (Volcanoes)

Danger. Stay Off the Ice.

Ice volcanoes and shoreline ice caves can collapse without warning.

• These ice formations look solid. They are not. They are hollow.
• They can sit over open water.
• If you fall through, you can drown.
• If you survive the fall, you can suffer hypothermia quickly in extremely cold water.

View these formations from a safe distance on shore.

• Do not walk out to them.
• Do not climb on them.
• Do not enter them.
• Do not let children or pets go near them.

Why is this so risky?

• Ice changes quickly. Warm air, sun, rain, wind, and waves weaken these structures fast.
• Conditions can look safe and turn dangerous within minutes.
• Waves can undermine ice from below, creating hidden holes.
• Cracks can form and spread without warning.

What can happen if you go through the ice?

• Cold water shock can steal your breath and control.
• Strong waves and currents can pull you under the ice edge.
• Wet clothing becomes heavy, making self-rescue nearly impossible.
• Hypothermia can begin quickly (within 5 minutes) in near-freezing water.

What these formations are

• Ice volcanoes and shoreline ice caves are temporary winter features seen along the Great Lakes.
• They are not real volcanoes.
• Wind driven waves push water under a shoreline ice shelf.
• Water then vents upward and freezes into cones or caves.

Safe way to enjoy them

• Stay off the ice at all times
• Stay on land and keep back from the shoreline edge.
• Use a zoom lens for photos.
• Follow local warnings and closures.