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The unseasonably warm weather of the past couple of weeks that included near-record and record-breaking high temperatures has prompted public officials to advise individuals to use extreme caution if they go on area lakes and rivers.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), forecasted temperatures in the 40s across southern Minnesota this week add yet another reason to be careful if heading out on the ice.
“Ice thickness guidelines become unreliable once the temperature gets above 32 degrees,” said Lt. Cory Palmer, enforcement supervisor for the DNR. “Snowmobiles, ATVs and other vehicles should stay off the ice until temps drop below 32 degrees for at least 24 hours.”
Thursday last week the Chippewa County and Lac qui Parle County sheriff’s departments in a news release advised anglers that ice conditions on Lac qui Parle Lake were very poor, and that numerous holes had opened in the ice because of the warm weather.
Signs were posted Thursday at entrances to the lake advising individuals of the unsafe conditions.
DNR conservation officer Ed Picht told the American-News that four ice fishing houses had either gone through the ice or had been blown into open water by strong winds on Dec. 26.
“A large portion of LqP opened up around the islands,” said Picht. “The winds blew at least two houses into the open water. People were taking duck boats across the ice and into the water to try and retrieve their houses.”
Picht reported he had indentified two of the owners, and that one of the houses that went into the lake had been pulled out by a tow company.
As of Sunday, one remained in the lake near Boyd’s Landing. Picht said he would like to identify who the house belonged to, and asked the owner to call him.
Picht noted large portions of Lac qui Parle Lake had opened up south of Highway 40. “There could be treacherous conditions out there until we get some cold temperatures,” he said.
Large portions of Artichoke Lake had opened up, as well, said Picht.
He stressed that if people are going to be on a lake they should be prepared for the worst. “A little bit of pre-planning can go a long way to save a person. It’s a good idea to think ahead about how you would get out if you fell through.”
Picht recommended carrying ice picks in the event the individual fell through the ice. “If there’s glare ice, it can be difficult to pull yourself out. Also, it’s a good idea to carry a rope or even wear a life jacket.
The unseasonably warm weather of the past couple of weeks that included near-record and record-breaking high temperatures has prompted public officials to advise individuals to use extreme caution if they go on area lakes and rivers.
According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR), forecasted temperatures in the 40s across southern Minnesota this week add yet another reason to be careful if heading out on the ice.
“Ice thickness guidelines become unreliable once the temperature gets above 32 degrees,” said Lt. Cory Palmer, enforcement supervisor for the DNR. “Snowmobiles, ATVs and other vehicles should stay off the ice until temps drop below 32 degrees for at least 24 hours.”
Thursday last week the Chippewa County and Lac qui Parle County sheriff’s departments in a news release advised anglers that ice conditions on Lac qui Parle Lake were very poor, and that numerous holes had opened in the ice because of the warm weather.
Signs were posted Thursday at entrances to the lake advising individuals of the unsafe conditions.
DNR conservation officer Ed Picht told the American-News that four ice fishing houses had either gone through the ice or had been blown into open water by strong winds on Dec. 26.
“A large portion of LqP opened up around the islands,” said Picht. “The winds blew at least two houses into the open water. People were taking duck boats across the ice and into the water to try and retrieve their houses.”
Picht reported he had indentified two of the owners, and that one of the houses that went into the lake had been pulled out by a tow company.
As of Sunday, one remained in the lake near Boyd’s Landing. Picht said he would like to identify who the house belonged to, and asked the owner to call him.
Picht noted large portions of Lac qui Parle Lake had opened up south of Highway 40. “There could be treacherous conditions out there until we get some cold temperatures,” he said.
Large portions of Artichoke Lake had opened up, as well, said Picht.
He stressed that if people are going to be on a lake they should be prepared for the worst. “A little bit of pre-planning can go a long way to save a person. It’s a good idea to think ahead about how you would get out if you fell through.”
Picht recommended carrying ice picks in the event the individual fell through the ice. “If there’s glare ice, it can be difficult to pull yourself out. Also, it’s a good idea to carry a rope or even wear a life jacket.
“A fish house or an ATV can be replaced, but a life can’t.”
Picht added that if a vehicle goes through the ice, it is a good idea for the driver to call the sheriff’s office to let authorities know everyone is all right. The motorist is responsible for getting the vehicle out, just as the owners are responsible for getting their fishhouses out if they wind up in the water.
According to Palmer, there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice. Even if the ice seems thick enough, temperature and other factors such as currents, wind, water chemistry and wildlife can affect the relative safeness of ice.
Officials recommend contacting a local bait shop or resort for ice reports on a specific lake and frequently checking ice thickness with an ice auger, ice chisel or even a cordless drill with a long wood auger bit.
For more information on ice safety, visit www.mndnr.gov/icesafety
