How should ice screws be positioned to be most effective in good ice?

Positioning ice screws slightly angled towards the anticipated load is the most effective method for ensuring their strength and stability in good ice. This orientation allows the screw to take advantage of the ice's structural properties, enhancing its ability to resist pull-out forces. When angled toward the load, the screw creates a more effective point of contact and helps distribute forces more evenly, reducing the risk of failure under tension.

Additionally, this angle helps to increase the surface area in contact with the ice, providing a better grip. Applying tension along the axis of the screw can further embed the threads into the ice, reinforcing its hold. This technique is critical in rescue situations where the integrity of anchoring points can be lifesaving.

In contrast, a horizontal position may not provide sufficient resistance to pull-out forces, while a vertical alignment could lead to a weaker interface with the ice, particularly as forces act at an angle during a pull. An inverted position away from the load would compromise the screw's effectiveness, as it would not properly engage with the ice and could easily pull out under tension.