DNR NEWS -RELEASE

[Lee Borgersen]

                    variable weather means ice may not be safe

With recent temperatures varying from below 0 to 40 degrees, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources reminds winter recreationists that they should check local conditions before venturing onto the ice.

"A spell of cooler weather does not mean the ice on a lake, pond or river is safe," said Stan Linnell, state boating law administrator. "Contact a bait shop and check to see if local ice conditions are thick enough to hold you and your fish house or vehicle and find out what areas to avoid."

Varying temperatures have created areas of thin ice or open water that may later refreeze, especially in the southern half of the state. Refrozen areas don't stand out on lakes lacking any snow cover. 

Linnell offered these other safety tips:
•Don't drive on ice at night.
•Don't drive through channels or other areas with current.
•Don't drive past thin ice signs or over pressure ridges.

"Sadly, we have seen several incidents where ATV's and cars have gone through the ice and people were injured, killed or remain missing," Linnell said. "The bottom line is it's crucial that people do not let their guard down and recognize ice is never 100 percent safe."

For more information, visit www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html.