12/06/2025
EARLY ICE, NO DICE!
Despite the recent frigid temperatures and heavy snowfall, please be extra careful when traversing any frozen waterbody. Those eager to take advantage of winter’s snow need to keep safety at the forefront of their preparations. This includes staying alert to the rapidly changing ice conditions commonly found in the early parts of winter.
Early ice covers may look solid, but they are far from it. The ice covers are too thin and too weak to support human or machine weight. Ice covers hide currents, debris and underground springs that can affect the thickness and create weak spots.
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.
If your winter outing involves travel over a waterbody, remember that 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 run throughout the winter either covering a large area towards the center of the lake or smaller aerators placed by private property landowners adjacent to their shore and/or piers.
Here are more safety tips:
- Carry a cell phone, and let people know where you are going and when you’ll return home.
- Wear proper clothing and equipment, including a personal flotation device or a float coat to help you stay afloat and to help slow body heat loss.
- Take an extra pair of mittens or gloves so your hands can remain dry and warm.
- Wear creepers attached to boots to prevent slipping on clear ice.
- Do not travel in unfamiliar areas – or at night.
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 is also recommended to use a rope or something similar to avoid falling through as well.
Visit our Ice Safety webpage for more information on staying safe on the ice:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/Education/OutdoorSkills/IceSafety
