The up and down weather— snow then rain, then snow—of recent weeks has left winter activity lovers frustrated. The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds people to be patient and to make sure the ice is safe before heading out onto any lakes. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water. It can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away due to currents, springs, rotting vegetation or fish activity. You need to check the ice at least every 150 feet, especially early in the season or any situation where the thickness varies widely. With warmer days ice conditions can change drastically from one day to the next.
Recommended minimum
thicknesses for new clear ice
| 4” Ice fishing and | |
| small group activities | |
| 5” Snowmobiles and ATVs | |
| 8” – 10” Small to medium | |
| cars, and pickups |
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 in color.
» Let someone know where you will be.
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