weather takin toll on ice

[Lee Borgersen]

      DNR: Warm weather taking toll on ice in parts of state

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Minnesota Department of Natural Resources conservation officers urge people to exercise extreme caution on and around lake ice, as conditions in some parts of the state have deteriorated rapidly. Several people and vehicles have fallen through the ice in recent days, continuing a trend that has played out for much of this winter.

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While thick ice remains in some areas, especially to the north, conservation officers in areas south of the Twin Cities already are warning people to stay off the ice. In some instances, the ice is deteriorating around the edges of lakes, while in others conservation officers report large holes in ice away from the shore. All across Minnesota, ice conditions become highly variable when the weather is warm and the sun gains strength.
 
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Just because you were on the ice at this time last year  or the year before that  doesn't mean the ice is safe this year, said Lisa Dugan, recreation safety outreach coordinator for the DNR Enforcement Division. The calendar isn't a useful tool in determining the quality of the ice. The only thing that matters is the current ice conditions.

Minnesota has had only one ice-related fatality during the 2019-2020 ice season. But nearly every year, fatal incidents happen when people engage in late season ice-top recreation.

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The most effective way to stay safe on the ice or open water is to wear a life jacket. Anyone who ventures onto late-season ice should use a chisel and check the ice thickness frequently. Ice thickness varies even on the same body of water. Particularly hazardous areas tend to be around bridges, channels, culverts and streams. To learn how to check ice thickness, visit the DNR's ice thickness guidelines page.

For more information about ice safety, visit mndnr.gov/icesafety.

[Rebel SS]

Good!! It's really high down here already..........right up to the banks. 

[Reinhard]

I drove by a small lake around 100 acres and the landing has open water about 20 feet out.  good luck.

[Jerkbiat]

still full steam ahead up here.

[LPS]

Yup on the river too.  Lots of ice.

[glenn57]

Yea well you 2 are way closer to the north Pole then most of us!!

[Dotch]

Ice starting to look rotten on St. Olaf Lake. Grayish color & lots of water on the ice surface. The LeSueur River continues to trend lower. You & REb should be able to have yer fishing contest in no time! 

[LPS]

Yes it is still making ice up here.  Won't be much above freezing for a week or so.  When it is above freezing it is only for a few hours. 

[glenn57]

I've been noticing the ice on the lakes along 94 have been getting darker also. there hasn't been anyone on that lock lake in quiet a while. there were a couple that walked out on Schroder lake ny clearwater tonight.