How fast does ice melt?

[Freedom1]

I know that there was a chart that showed how much ice could be made in a 24 hour period assuming different temps. Assuming the variables are the same (no wind, no snow cover, ect) Is there any (estimated) formula for how fast we will lose the ice this week? (IE, 24 inch thick ice will lose 1 inch/24 hours at 42 degrees)

[mrklean]

ha not fast enough right now

[FBMH]

Not sure, but with this warm weather this week the ice will be sketchy by Sunday. Maybe the fish will bite?...probably. but be safe!

[TurnUpTheFishing]

It doesnt really work like that...

Ice just sort of honeycombs and becomes significantly less strong. Soon old holes become larger standing water on the ice and wind eat away at the top layers. Fresh water running in takes out the shoreline first. If the shoreline is locked up on a lake you are probably gonna be ok on the main ice but thats not a guarantee by any means. Use common sense, have a life jacket, picks, rope and a buddy if possible.

[BobT]

It doesnt really work like that...

Ice just sort of honeycombs and becomes significantly less strong. Soon old holes become larger standing water on the ice and wind eat away at the top layers. Fresh water running in takes out the shoreline first. If the shoreline is locked up on a lake you are probably gonna be ok on the main ice but thats not a guarantee by any means. Use common sense, have a life jacket, picks, rope and a buddy if possible.

Agreed.

[McGurk]

Not to mention going out on a beautiful sunny morning, fishing for a number of hours, only to find out that you can't get back to shore without getting wet. In most cases, if you can get onto the lake you should be OK, not including running water, holes that are swirling, wind shifting ice and cracks that open up, and objects in the ice like rocks, weeds, and trees warming up and melting the ice around them. It's a blast this time of year as far as the panfishing goes, though! Buddy up, carry a rope, wear your cleats, and have fun!