DNR: Ice conditions inconsistent, dangerous
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources says parents should keep an eye on their children during visits to friends and family who live near water because of dangerous ice conditions.
A mix of warm and cold weather across the state has created inconsistent ice on bodies of water. A thin coating of ice has formed on many lakes and ponds — and that inch or two of ice is not safe, says the DNR's Todd Kanieski.
"For this weekend, we definitely want to make sure the kids are being cautious and the adults as well and before they do venture out on the ice," he said. "We definitely recommend keeping the kids off a lot of these ponds that may not be properly frozen over."
The DNR recommends anyone heading out on the ice should carry a set of ice picks and check with a local bait shop or resort about ice conditions, and measure the thickness of ice.
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DNR clear ice thickness recommendations:
• 4 inches for walking
• 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV
• 8-12 inches for a car
• 12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck
From November 2013 to April 2014, three people died in the state after falling through ice.