little confused over Icing forcast and Airmets

[WannFly]

so in the winter wonderland out here, there seems to be a perpetual forecast for icing no matter which direction i go. for example, for a flight to KBIS (@ 065) for tomorrow, here is the forecast

WAUS43 KKCI 102045
CHIZ WA 102045
AIRMET ZULU UPDT 5 FOR ICE AND FRZLVL VALID UNTIL 110300
.
OTLK VALID 0300-0900Z
AREA 1...ICE ND SD NE MN IA WI LM LS MI IL
BOUNDED BY 50SSW YWG-30N INL-YQT-30NW SSM-20SE TVC-30W MKG-50SW
BAE-20WSW DBQ-FOD-50E ONL-60S ABR-FAR-50SSW YWG
MOD ICE BTN FRZLVL AND FL180. FRZLVL SFC-080. CONDS CONTG THRU
09Z.


flight service website draws a pretty (and scary) picture too



as a VFR pilot, the way i understand it is, unless i am flying into cloud or encounter other visible form of moisture like freezing rain, fog etc.. icing is not a concern. is my understanding correct?

 

[RyanB]

You are correct. Ice doesn’t form without moisture. Stay clear of any form of moisture and you’ll be just fine.

 

[WannFly]

You are correct. Ice doesn’t form without moisture. Stay clear of any form of moisture and you’ll be just fine.

wohooooo.... KBIS here i come (fingers crossed)

 

[coloradobluesky]

Look for PIREPS that report icing.

 

[FORANE]

You need visible moisture and temps at or below freezing for ice to form.
The best way I predict it is freezing level:
https://www.aviationweather.gov/icing/frzlvl
and pireps of ice:
https://www.aviationweather.gov/airep
and precip:
https://www.aviationweather.gov/radar
and overcast:
https://www.aviationweather.gov/satellite/visplot

 

[steviedeviant]

Was about to ask a similar question and this thread just answered it. Thanks!