If you head out to one of Minnesota’s many lakes or rivers to ice fish, snowmobile, ATV, cross-country ski, or just to enjoy a winter day, we want you to have fun and be safe.  A bit of advance planning and practicing basic ice precautions can help you return home safely.

“As we hear reports of people going through the ice around the state, we'd like to remind everyone to be cautious and prepared as they venture out on the frozen water,” said Sheriff Luke Hennen.

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MN DNR), there really is no sure answer as to when ice is safe.  You cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor like its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow.  Ice strength is based on a combination of several factors, can vary from water body to water body, and in different areas of the same body of water.  Depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions all factor into determining ice safety in Minnesota. 

Please keep these ice safety tips from the MN DNR in mind when you head out on the frozen water: 

• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly-formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially-thawed ice may not.
• Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
• Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current.
• The insulating effect of snow slows down the freezing process. The extra weight also reduces how much weight the ice sheet can support. Also, ice near shore can be weaker than ice that is farther out.
• Booming and cracking ice isn't necessarily dangerous. It only means that the ice is expanding and contracting as the temperature changes.
• Schools of fish or flocks of waterfowl can also adversely affect the relative safety of ice. The movement of fish can bring warm water up from the bottom of the lake. In the past, this has opened holes in the ice causing snowmobiles and cars to break through.

For more information on ice safety, visit the MN DNR’s website:  https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

General Ice Thickness Guidelines

Image courtesy Minnesota Department Natural Resources

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