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Ice Safe? From The DNR

Dave

By Dave
in Ice Fishing

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Dave Grand Master

Dave

Posted
Posted

Area lakes not safe, even with sub-zero temperatures (December 10, 2007)

Weather conditions this year have made ice very unsafe on many area lakes. Large amounts of snow over a thin layer of ice, especially on large lakes, means that even with prolonged sub-zero temperatures ice is not safe for snowmobiles and ATVs, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources.

A check on Pokegama Lake (Itasca County) this past weekend showed 4 inches of snow, 2 inches of crusty ice, 3 inches of water and less than 2 inches of ice. Sam Johnson with DNR Trails and Waterways said that when you look across the lake, it looks safe, but the combination of crusty ice, water and snow will not support vehicles.

“I saw a snowmobile cross Pokegama at high speeds, but if the machine would have stalled, I do not think the ice would have supported it,” said Johnson. “Unfortunately, now there are tracks and others may believe the ice is safe.”

“We have received calls from local lakeshore owners who are very concerned about the ice conditions,” said Lt. Dave Olsen, DNR Enforcement. “They have reported steam and water coming through the ice.”

“Other areas are reporting unsafe ice, as well,” said Les Ollila, DNR NE Region Trails and Waterways Manager. “The problems are wide-spread. Each lake is different. There are some smaller lakes that froze before the snowfall that may have sufficient ice, but the snow has make for poor ice conditions on most lakes. And, the swamps are not frozen either,” Ollila said.

The DNR warns winter outdoor enthusiasts to stay off any ice unless they are sure of conditions. The DNR recommends a minimum of four inches of new clear ice for foot travel on frozen water bodies. For ATVs and snowmobiles the DNR recommends five inches of new clear ice, and eight to 10 inches of new clear ice for cars and small trucks. Because the snow has reduced the quality of the ice this year, the DNR recommends added caution.

Ice safety information is available by visiting the DNR HSOforum at www.mndnr.gov.

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Hoffer Mentor

Hoffer

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I went up to my local lake (by fergus Falls) on Saturday this weekend. I had been watching the temps all week - they have had super cold temps with -20 on Friday night. I walked right out from shore where we uaully fish -maybe just 300 yards - I started the auger and it took 2 turns and went through. There was probably 2 to 3 inches of good ice with slush and snow on top. By the end of the night my round tipups were floating from the water coming up through the holes. I absolutely could not believe the poor conditions despite all the cold temps they had. I guess the blanket of snow really insulates things - becuase the had 2 to 3 inches before the snow - and after the snow it was the same - hadnt grown an inch even with -20 degrees!

I think its going to be a tough year up there - most wont get their fish houses out unless this slush somehow freezes up.

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vermilionwally Enthusiast

vermilionwally

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I had the same problem yesterday on big lake with my round tip up floating. i didnt have that problem on the tip up i set farther out though, the slush is only bad near shore. Its 16 degrees here in cloquet right now, that wont help freeze that slush mad.gif

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tonkapat Rising Star

tonkapat

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best thing you can do is pull that water onto the ice with your auger, or just punch a bunch of holes out to your spot, then should harden every thing up in a day or two. This is the hand we are dealt for the year unfortunately.

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fishtank Collaborator

fishtank

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Yes, it is a downfall with the snow coming earlier than hoped, but we have to be thankful for the great weather we are having this early in the season. When was the last time temps were above freezing? At least from Metro - to north, they seem to be pretty good!

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Fish&Fowl Mentor

Fish&Fowl

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Rainy is pretty much in the same boat with 2-4" in most spots and one report of 5-6". Between the snow and the current from high water before freeze-up, it's making very little ice. Now we need 40 degrees and rain to turn everything to water so it can refreeze...is that too much to ask? crazy.gif

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Harry_Angler Newbie

Harry_Angler

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Hunter Winfield's Resort Reporting - We have about 10-13" in Isle Bay on Mille Lacs. We are planning on pulling a few of our wheel house rentals out this weekend. They've been catching a few perch, northern, and walleye in the bay - we have plowed road access for those of you that want to bring out some portables - houses start at $160 a night for the wheel houses. Visit us online at www.hunterwinfields.com or call 320.676.1100.

Hope to see you all this winter.

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