Senior DNR Official Warns Ice Is Still Inconsistent

(KNSI) – A senior official at the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says area ice conditions remain inconsistent.

That includes readings taken since a blast of polar air covered the state. With high temps expected to be in the mid-30s and even the 40s in the coming weeks, Ice Safety Coordinator Nicole Biagi says that caution is warranted before heading out onto the lake.

“I’ve seen some really good looking ice with the cold temperatures that we’ve had. However, it is still inconsistent, and it’s still thinner than normal for this time of year, so it’s definitely not back to business as usual.”

Ice rescues have occurred in recent weeks on Sherburne County’s Ann Lake and Little Rock Lake near Rice. Issues have cropped up across the state this season, including several incidents on Upper Red Lake and Lake of the Woods.

Biagi says if you decide to risk heading out for ice fishing or other recreation, you must take precautions. “So, what we recommend is having floatation, whether that’s a float coat, float bibs, or even just a foam lifejacket. What you shouldn’t have is an inflatable. Inflatable PFDs are not good for water temperatures below 50 degrees. They don’t properly inflate all the time, and we recommend having something that’s foam.”

Biagi says even experienced swimmers will be taken aback when they go into extremely cold water. Those who know to control their breathing and calm down still require about 45 seconds to adjust. If you do not have a life jacket on, most are already drowning before they can adjust.

Other equipment you should keep on you includes a throw rope and a chisel.

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