Overview
- Hannover and Osnabrück caution that local ice sheets are too thin, with Hannover keeping the Maschsee closed until a continuous 13-centimeter layer is confirmed.
- Hannover reports the Maschsee ice is about five centimeters thick and says it does not expect sufficient thickness within the next two weeks.
- Munich authorities say the Nymphenburg Canal has not been released; police and fire cleared more than 100 people from the ice on January 1 after warning of life-threatening conditions.
- Rescue groups cite rough minimums of about 15 centimeters for standing water and around 20 centimeters for flowing water, though local guidance can vary, such as a 10-centimeter threshold noted by DLRG Ulm.
- Experts urge calling 112, using throw or reach tools instead of stepping onto thin ice, approaching only while lying flat if necessary, and preventing further cooling after rescue, with CPR if there is no normal breathing.