Featured photo courtesy of Minnesota DNR
A pre-Thanksgiving cold snap means some lakes and ponds across Minnesota are beginning to freeze, but DNR officials are advising that the ice isn’t safe to walk on and to speak with children about ice safety.
Ice is never 100 percent safe, and ice in the early stages of formation can be particularly treacherous. Falls through the ice or into open water this time of year can quickly turn tragic.
“Kids, and people who haven’t experienced winter in Minnesota, may not have enough knowledge to mitigate the risks associated with cold water and early ice,” said Col. Rodmen Smith, DNR Enforcement Division director.
“Talk to your kids, talk to your neighbors—we all have a role to play in keeping people safe as the winter season gets underway.”
Four inches of new, clear ice are recommended as a minimum for walking on.
Local pilot Joel Watrud took these photos over Upper Red Lake on 11-22-22, showing many pockets of open water. Shared by Kelliher Fire & Rescue.
