If Ice is good 30 feet out, how safe is the lake?

[McGurk]

I checked Bush Lake in Bloomington, MN this afternoon with a hatchet. It had 2 1/2" of clear ice 30 feet from shore at 2 spots on opposite sides of the lake. How would the remainder of the lake be if it has been frozen over for the last 4-5 days? It is a decent sized lake (for the metro, anyways) that is pretty calm and has a couple of runoff inlets. I was wondering how other lakes in the metro area are and the safest way to check out the remainder of it. I REALLY don't want to be that guy on the news who was "pulled out to safety at the last second," or worse...

Any info would be appreciated! Thanks, McGurk

[Catfish John]

The only way to know is to continually check as you proceed. It is always a good idea to bring along a friend, maintain good spacing, and carry a rope just in case.

[Duffman]

Just because it's safe 30ft out doesn't mean it's as safe or safer anywhere else on the lake. Especially with the wierd weather conditions lately. Do yourself a favor and pick up a spud bar if ya intend to get adventurous. Springs, waterfowl, shoreline makeup, and even fish can alter the way ice forms. I would check every few feet with a spud, better yet, wait another week.

[so haaad]

There are too many variables to determine the rest of the lake, like water current, springs, air bubbles when it froze, etc. If you don't want to be "that guy" who gets pulled from the lake, then don't be. Look for smaller lakes and give Bush another week.