Ice Conditions Dangerous in some
areas
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
The warm winter weather
and lack of snow have brought many people out to enjoy winter
sports on the ice. But, above normal temperatures also mean ice
conditions are not uniformly safe. The Minnesota Department of
Natural Resources (DNR) and local sheriff’s offices urge people to
use caution when out on the ice to fish, ski or snowmobile. There
is open water in many areas that are usually frozen at this time
of year. Ice is thin, especially where there is flowing water
underneath. And, the warm days mean ice conditions can change
drastically from one day to the next. There have been eight ice
fatalities this season and many reports of ATVs and snowmobiles
going through the ice.
Ice safety tips
· No ice should be
considered safe. · Stay away from open water. · Be familiar with
the lake (bring a map). · Check with local bait shops, resorts,
gas stations, etc. about current ice conditions. · Check ice
conditions as you travel. · Consider alternatives to driving your
car or truck on the ice, such as walking or using an ATV or
snowmobile. · Use accesses available through resorts and stay on
plowed roads. · Stay off the ice when it’s dark. · Let someone
know where you will be. · Bring your cell phone. · If you need
emergency assistance, call 911.
Recommended minimum ice
thickness
The following rough
guidelines are for new, clear ice only.
· 2 inches or less – stay
off
· 4 inches – foot traffic,
ice fishing
· 5 inches – snowmobile or
ATV
· 8-12 inches – car or
small truck
· 12-15 inches – medium
truck
Notes to fishermen and
snowmobilers
· Fish houses left on the
ice overnight need to have at least 2 square inches of reflective
material on each side of the house.
· Spear fishermen need to
break up ice chunks or put them in the lake. They can be a hazard
to snowmobilers.
· Snowmobilers need to use
caution when riding on ice because there are sometimes snow drifts
remaining where fish shelters were removed.
For more information,
Contact: Jean Goad, Public Affairs Officer, Northeast Region,
218-327-4262
