100 degrees

[Barometer Soup]

Any frostbiters know of the 100 degree rule? Something like water temp plus air temp = 100 or no go.
Almost half the ice is off our lake and I'm getting anxious.

Barometer Soup

 

[Rob B]

Dear God. We've already had weeks of 80 degree weather down here. I've forgotten the rule as it never gets cold enough here to worry about it.

 

[Krycek]

ice on pond +16 ft boston whaler with a Honda 75 hp 4 stroke = sailing all year round

 

[Barometer Soup]

Sounds good

 

[ScottH]

Here's a link in a dry suit thread that references the "100 degree rule". There's an attachment about half way down that gives a guide line.

http://www.laserforum.org/frostbiting-relative-terms-t7797.html?t=7797&highlight=dry+suit

 

[sorosz]

I've always heard it described as the 120-Degree Rule:

120 degree rule - if air plus water temperature is less than 120 degrees a wet suit or dry suit is recommended.

It's a rule of thumb to help predict the risk of hypothermia. Since it's a rule of thumb it's not perfect -- it leaves out some key factors like time and also wind chill as well as personal fitness that can have an impact-- but it gives you a good starting point. Using the 100-degree rule is obviously more conservative.

If you google "100 degree rule hypothermia" or "120 degree rule hypothermia" you'll come across a bunch of references.