Lake ice is not as thick as it has been in previous years.
In early December of 2022 there was plenty of snow and ice as anglers ventured out onto frozen lakes in the North Metro.
But that’s not the case in 2023.
“The weather and ice conditions are very different than what we had last year,” said Nicole Biagi, Ice Safety Coordinator for the Minnesota DNR.
Temps have been downright balmy in the not-so-frozen north, which is affecting ice thickness on lakes across Minnesota.
“This has definitely been an unusual winter,” Biagi said. “We’ve seen warm temperatures, sunshine, rain and wind. All these factors impact the ice.”
“Ice is never 100 percent safe”
However, that hasn’t deterred some folks. Despite above freezing temps, a few passionate anglers could be spotted on Centerville Lake and Peltier Lake this week.
“It’s important not to look at the calendar and to look at the thermometer,” Biagi said. “Look at the ice conditions. Don’t just assume that it’s safe to go out because you normally go out this time of year.”
“Ice is never 100 percent safe,” said Matt Paavola of the Minnesota DNR. “We do recommend at least four inches of new clear ice and as you venture out you’re checking the ice thickness with a tape measure.”
Biagi preaches caution and safety if you are determined to go out on the ice.
“Make sure that you have the right safety gear,” Biagi said. “That’s a float coat or a life jacket, ice picks so that you can help yourself if you do fall through…”Definitely day by day this time of year and all year. Especially right now. You need to be checking every day and as you’re out there keep checking. Don’t assume the path you took out on the lake is safe when you return later that day.”
Lake ice can be deceiving
Earlier this month approximately 35 people were stuck on an ice patch that broke off from the shoreline at Upper Red Lake in northern Minnesota. This is not an unusual event.
“When the wind picks up speed and there’s open water in the middle of the lake if it changes direction and blows from the shore out to the middle of the lake that can pretty easily break off – even a thick sheet of ice,” Biagi said. “They can have 10 inches up there and it can still break off and send people to the middle of the lake.”
Each lake is unique and ice thickness can vary on location and change quick. A lake can be frozen in one spot and also have open water just a few yards away. Aerial views of Centerville and Peltier makes these lakes look frozen solid, but that can be deceiving.
Said Biagi: “Even if the ice is four inches thick that doesn’t mean it’s safe to walk on.”
Bottom line is everyone should know the potential risk when going onto the ice.
“It’s very serious,” Biagi said. “People need to be cautious.”
For more information on Minnesota DNR ice recommendations go to DNR.state.MN.US and click on the education and safety tab.
