Where is it safe to drive?

[cavalierowner]

Has anyone ever heard of some kind of map that shows the specific danger areas for driving on the ice of a lake? Other that the obvious ones like channels, bridges or near points of land. I'm thinking specifically Minnetonka. All my life I've stuck to established trails and never venture far off the road. I don't want to rely on the DNR to put up the flags. This may limit me a bit, but I'm also still alive and never lost a car in 45 years of driving on the ice.

I should add that I know it's never truly "safe" on the ice, but I'm sure you know what I mean. Heck, even now I still take off my seatbelt and unlatch the door when I hit the ice.

[Acemac]

Ice is thick out there dont drive in channels and your pretty safe.

[harvey lee]

Many times if I am going to a new lake or a lake I do not know very well, I will ask a local bait shop or another fisherman if I know one that fishes the lake.

I would guess that a quick question about a certain lake in the forum here would also help alot.

That may be your best bet.

[Ed Carlson]

On the established plowed roads and trails the ice should be good and thicker, as the deep cold could reach the ice and make ice. That will change soon when the melt starts and slop holes weaken the ice on the roads especially at access points.

This season, in general, I would show caution on anything off the trail. Snow cover kept ice from forming as it would normally, and very often is thinner.

From this point on, Caution is the word.

As Harvey suggested get the scoop from the local shops, as they get the word quickly on "Bad Ice" areas to avoid.

[Desperado]

Judging from my commute this morning;

Driving on the highway from your home to the lake MAY be the most dangerous part of the entire trip.

[herefish101]

I always stop and check every few hundred yards or so if i'm venturing into uncharted territory, if I notice a thinning in the ice in the direction I am driving I stop and check the entire area around my truck, if the ice is to iffy I turn around. A fish is not worth my truck or my life, but don't get me wrong, my truck is like my winter boat.