Near Miss Bow Lake

Start out 5:45 a.m. from the lodge and 1km in, while crossing Bow Lake, went through the ice. Didn't have enough time to feel snow conditions but was asked to share a MIN to spread awareness around the instability of lake crossings after the warming period. More specifically what happened - we were crossing the usual spot heading towards Bow Hut, maybe 50 meters off shore. Lots of fresh tracks since the warming period and recent snowfall. Skis started suddenly sinking deep in slush and as I tried to turn around I broke through deeper. My partner grabbed my pack to try and secure me. My legs were in the water, torso back on more stable snow/ice. Got to the edge but my boots and skis were covered in slush and started freezing in so I couldn't kick them off. Once my partner felt he was secure, he reached over me and was able to dig one boot out to release my ski. I crawled out from there, my free boot punching through deep slush when trying to stand. We got off the ice and in evaluating how frozen our gear was and I was soaked to my waist, and headed home. In reflection, realized the pro/cons of ski leashes on ice - it saved my ski but also could've turned much worse if it had stopped me from being able to crawl out. Also an idea to keep waist belts on packs undone on ice in case you find yourself swimming and need to ditch. We had a glacier rope with us that we didn't use but could've been handy if he wasn't able to get to me. Stay safe out there!