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   Similar to last year, this early winter season our early ice conditions are a concern to safety officials. However, this year poses a greater concern than normal due to the very mild fall and early winter we are experiencing. Recently, our area lakes have begun to form good, solid “clear” ice; however, each year, early ice conditions vary. With the freeze and thaw cycles and above-normal daily high temperatures this year, we are particularly concerned about the early ice activity we have seen. 

   We often receive calls at the Sheriff’s Office about ice safety, specifically whether ice is safe on a particular lake or location.  There really is no sure answer. You can’t judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, or whether the ice is covered with snow or not. Ice strength depends on all these factors -- plus the depth of water under the ice, the water body size, water chemistry, currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions. These are tough questions to answer, as we often do not know the exact conditions of all areas and do not measure the ice. However, we have to remember and want to share the message that NO ice, especially early ice, is ever safe. With the upcoming Holiday season and little snow offering other recreational opportunities, we know people will want to be out on the ice for various recreational opportunities. We want you to be safe and prepared for what might happen. 

   Your safety is your responsibility. Temperature, snow cover, currents, springs, and rough fish all affect the relative safety of ice. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away. It is recommended you check ice conditions every 100-150 feet when traveling on ice. 

   The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has provided a chart for ice safety based on thickness. (pictorial chart available online) 

   • UNDER 4”    Stay off. NOT SAFE. 

   • 4” - Ice fishing or other activities on foot

   • 5” - 7” - Snowmobile or small ATV

   • 7” – 8” - Side-by-side ATV

   • 9” – 10” - Small car or SUV

   • 11” -12” - Medium SUV or small truck

   • 13” - Medium truck

   • 16” -17” - Heavy-duty truck

   • 20”+ - Heavy-duty truck with wheelhouse shelter

   Remember that it’s not just dangerous for you - you’re putting at risk every first responder who must come out and attempt to save you if you fall through thin ice, creating a dangerous situation for many individuals. 

   Stay safe this ice season with these recommendations:

   1 - No ice should ever be considered safe.

   2 - Check existing ice conditions as you travel.

   3 - Check with local bait shops, resorts, gas stations, other fisherman for conditions.

   4 - Consider other means of transportation other than a motor vehicle.  (ATV, snowmobile or foot travel are good choices)

   5 - Do not travel on the lake after dark.

   6 - Always notify someone of the area you are traveling in and your expected return time.

   7 - Carry a cell phone.

   8 - Be familiar with the lake - carry a map.

   9 - If you need emergency assistance, call 911.

   10 - Consider a GPS unit to help you on and off the lake.

   11 - Avoid the use of alcohol.

   12 - Pay attention to warning signs that are posted. Remember warning signs cannot be posted everywhere. 

   13 - When available, access the lake through a resort or public access and travel only on plowed roads.

   This month the Cass County Sheriff’s Office wishes our readers and citizens of Cass County a very safe and Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. We would like to thank our communities for their support during the past year and look forward to serving you in the new year. 

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

Email: 

[email protected]

Phone: 

218-547-1424 | 1-800-450-2677

By Mail/In Person:

Cass County Sheriff’s Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box 1119

 Walker MN 56484

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