The Wisconsin DNR urges the public to practice early-winter ice safety on all of Wisconsin’s waterbodies. The temperature swings that mark the final weeks of every year can create ice covers.
“After we have the first cold nights, we start to see the early ice. It may look solid to the naked eye, but it’s not,” says Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, DNR Off-Highway Vehicle Administrator. “There can be, and often are, cracks and changes in the ice thickness that you will not see.”
The ice covers hide the currents, debris, and underground springs still feeding lakes and rivers.
“These factors and more are why no ice is ever considered safe – no matter the month,” Hosclaw says.
The DNR does not monitor ice conditions, but they are monitored locally. Local fishing clubs, outfitters, and bait shops are the best sources for local current ice conditions.
However, the best idea for safe winter fun is to enjoy outings without traveling over ice.
Conditions As Varied As Waters
If the outing does involve traveling over a waterbody, remember every waterbody has its own characteristics. Check if the lake has inlets, outlets, or narrows, is spring-fed, or has currents, which can thin the ice.
Some smaller lakes can have aerators that are run throughout the winter either covering a large area towards the center of the lake or may have smaller aerators placed by private property landowners adjacent to their shore and/or piers.
Equally as important is to stay alert for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water and often are created, move or grow with changes in temperatures and high winds. This can happen on Wisconsin’s largest lake – Winnebago, a popular home to sturgeon spearers – and the Bay of Green Bay.
If The Worst Happens…
If the worst happens and you happen to fall in, here’s what to do:
- Carry a couple of hand-held spikes and a length of light rope in an easily accessible pocket or inside your sleeves to help pull yourself – or others – out of the ice.
- If you fall in, remain as calm as possible and while attempting to assist yourself out of the water, call for help as soon as you can. Anyone who attempts to rescue you also is recommended to use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through as well.
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