Minnesota DNR: Ice is Not Safe Right Now

In late fall, early winter, the ice might be starting to form on some lakes, rivers and ponds around Minnesota and some other Midwest states, but DNR conservation officers warn that still may be too early to venture out.

The thin layers of ice that start to form on some Minnesota waters are not safe, said Maj. Greg Salo, operations manager, of the Minnesota DNR Enforcement Division. A few days of cold temperatures don't create ice strong enough to hold a person.

According to Salo, three people died in Minnesota one winter after falling through the ice.

The DNR recommends anyone heading out on the ice should: carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop or resort-- ask about ice conditions-- and measure the ice.

DNR clear ice thickness recommendations are:

• 4 inches for walking.
• 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV.
• 8- to 12 inches for a car.
• 12- to 15 inches for a medium-sized truck.

The Minnesota DNR notes, however, you can't judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors -- plus the 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.

It concludes: There is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice!

For more information on ice safety, visit http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html