Poor Ice Conditions Across Minnesota, DNR Officials Recommend Waiting For Cooler Temps

MINNESOTA — The week between Christmas and New Year’s has become a popular time for ice fishing, according to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources but that doesn’t mean ice conditions are safe.

The DNR and county sheriffs are warning Minnesotans of poor ice conditions across the state. The recent rain, wind, and unseasonably warm weather has caused ice to degrade.

In central to southern portions of Minnesota what had been marginal ice conditions are now open water. The ice up north has broken down as well, causing 4 ice angler rescues to take place at Upper Red Lake. And while most years the ice would be thick enough by now for vehicles and wheelhouses, this year is not most years.

“New Years is a great time, the people enjoy getting out on the ice with family and friends. They might be on foot or in a wheelhouse this time of year. But unfortunately, this year is not normal and it’s especially important this year that people look at the weather conditions and not the calendar. Unfortunately, the ice is not strong enough right now for wheelhouses and ATVs in most places and so, people need to just be patient and wait for stronger ice before they venture out,” said Nicole Biagi, ice safety coordinator for the Minnesota DNR.

Temperatures are expected to drop soon, but the DNR says ice conditions will remain poor until there’s a string of cold days to form new ice.