Here's how lake ice betrays you as temps rise
Go Deeper.
Create an account or log in to save stories.
Like this?
Thanks for liking this story! We have added it to a list of your favorite stories.
With temps reaching the 40s — maybe even 50 — this weekend, consider this our (and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources') friendly reminder about ice safety on lakes and rivers.
"Ice that has thawed and refrozen is only HALF as strong as new ice," the DNR tweeted Thursday. Mild temps this week has meant a persistent cycle of thaw, freeze and repeat across Minnesota.
So when is the ice safe? Well, no ice is ever 100 percent safe. But here are a few things to keep in mind if you're headed out on frozen water this weekend:
• New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly formed ice could support one person, while a foot or more of old, partially thawed ice may not.
Turn Up Your Support
MPR News helps you turn down the noise and build shared understanding. Turn up your support for this public resource and keep trusted journalism accessible to all.
• Ice isn't uniformly thick. Ice on a single lake might be 6 inches thick in one spot, but only one 1 inch thick in another part.
• The Department of Natural Resources recommends 4 inches for walkers, 5 inches for ATVs or snowmobiles, 8-12 inches for cars and small trucks and 12-15 inches for larger trucks.
To check thickness, measure the ice every foot or two as you walk out onto the lake — or check on conditions with a local bait shop.
If ice near the shore is cracked or mushy, do not go out on the lake.