In Primorye’s Amur Bay, ice floes with fishermen can form during the week as cold snaps persist and winds shift over the waters. This pattern has been observed by the press service of the All-Russian Research Institute of Civil Defense and Emergencies, known as VNII GOChS. The presence of unfrozen zones amid the bay’s channels is not unusual, and it often draws local anglers who time their outings with the weather window. VNII GOChS notes that such scenes are not uncommon in wintertime coastal life, when residents weigh the risks against the rewards of a successful catch. VNII GOChS.
Scientists describe the ice cover in the Asian part of Russia as varying widely in thickness, ranging from about 18 to 75 centimeters depending on exposure, currents, and wind. In the Amur Gulf itself, the ice tends to be thinner, around 20 centimeters, a mark that can shift quickly with shifting temperatures and strong winds. The dynamic nature of this ice layer means surface stability can change within hours, underscoring the need for constant local updates before any crossing or extended time on the ice. VNII GOChS.
Institute experts emphasize that strong southeasterly winds elevate the risk, particularly for amateur fishermen who might underestimate the rolling action of ice fields. In such conditions, fields can fracture or shift unexpectedly, creating hazardous gaps that are invisible from a distance. The institute urges proper assessment of ice strength and depth, and careful evaluation of escape routes should a crack appear. The warning reflects observed patterns where casual outings on thin ice lead to peril, even in seemingly calm conditions. VNII GOChS.
For a broader regional comparison, the ice thickness in the European part of Russia typically falls within the 8 to 45 centimeter range. This comparative measure highlights the varying safety margins across regions, where the margin for error becomes smaller as thickness decreases. People and equipment can fall through when ice is at the lower end of that spectrum, especially under fluctuating temperatures or with additional loads from vehicles. The guidance from VNII GOChS remains consistent: always verify current ice conditions and never assume uniform safety across any expanse of water. VNII GOChS.
Past incidents illustrate the extreme consequences that can follow careless decisions on frozen waterways. A 40-year-old woman in the Krasnoyarsk Territory reportedly drowned in a VAZ car while attempting to drive onto ice. Separately, there are reports of romantic walks on ice that went tragically wrong when the ice failed under pressure. Such events underscore the unpredictable nature of ice, the speed at which conditions can deteriorate, and the importance of respecting official advisories and local knowledge. VNII GOChS.