Minnesota Ice Safety
As temperatures warm, ice conditions vary greatly and change quickly this time of year. There can be major differences from one water body to another. The ice can also vary on the same body of water.
Check ice thickness for yourself. Do not rely on others' information or follow footprints or other tracks in the snow without checking first.
White ice forms when snow melts on top of a sheet of ice and refreezes. It is only half as strong as newer, clear ice, so double the recommended guidelines for white ice. Ice is usually thinnest near inlets and outlets, shallow areas with heavy vegetation, moving water and springs, and around structure like logs, rocks, bridges, and docks.
Your safety is your responsibility. Be ice aware!
Ice Safety Tips from the Minnesota DNR:
- Wear a life jacket or float suit
- Dress in warm layers
- Carry ice picks
- Check weather
- Check ice thickness frequently as you travel out
- Let someone know your plans and location
- Ice is never 100% safe
Ice Out Resources:
- LAKES: State-wide map showing reported lakes by ice out date (MNDNR)
- RIVERS: State-wide map with river level observations (NOAA)
- STATE WATER TRAILS: River levels for Minnesota's state water trails (MNDNR)
- SNOW DEPTH: State-wide map showing current snow depth levels (NOAA)
- SHELTER REMOVAL DEADLINES: Dark houses, fish houses and portables must be off the ice no later than 11:59 p.m. for each location-based deadline (MNDNR)
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