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   Early ice conditions are always a concern to safety officials, but this year poses a greater concern than normal due to the very mild fall and early winter we are experiencing.  Recently, our area lakes have been starting to make good, solid “clear” ice; however, each year, early ice is different. With the freeze and thaw conditions and above-normal daily high temperatures this year, we are concerned about the early ice activity we have seen. We often get calls at the Sheriff’s Office about ice safety, specifically if ice is safe on a particular lake or location. These are tough questions to answer, as we often do not know the exact conditions of all areas and do not measure the ice. However, we have to remember and want to share the message that NO ice, especially early ice, is ever safe. With the upcoming Holiday season, we know people will want to be out on the ice for various recreational opportunities; we want you to be safe and prepared for what might happen. 

   Your safety is your responsibility. Temperature, snow cover, currents, springs, and rough fish all affect the relative safety of ice. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet thick in 1 place and one inch thick a few yards away. It is recommended you check ice conditions every 150 feet when traveling on ice. 

In recent years, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has released a new chart based on ice conditions safe for various methods of travel. (pictorial chart available online) 

   • UNDER 4”    Stay off. NOT SAFE. 

   • 4” Ice fishing or other activities on foot

 • 5” - 7” Snowmobile or small ATV

   • 7” – 8” Side-by-side ATV

   • 9” – 10” Small car or SUV

   • 11” -12” Medium SUV or small truck

   • 13” Medium truck

   • 16” -17” Heavy-duty truck

   • 20”+ Heavy-duty truck with wheelhouse shelter

   Remember that it’s not just dangerous for you - you’re putting at risk every first responder who has to come out and attempt to save you if you fall through thin ice.

Stay safe this ice season with these recommendations:

   • Wait for at least four inches of new, clear ice before venturing out. Be sure to check ice thickness frequently. 

   • Always wear buoyant gear and ice picks. Each person should also carry a throw rope.

   • Go with a friend and keep some distance from each other so you don’t fall through the ice together.

   • Let someone know where you are going and when you plan to return. 

   On the same topic of ice safety, changes are coming for all ice anglers this winter. A new law is in effect related to storing garbage and other waste (in all its forms) left on the ice. The law will affect all ice anglers, regardless of the type of shelter they use, and other users of the ice as well.  The law states that Specifically, people using an ice shelter, vehicle, or other conveyance on the ice may not deposit “garbage, rubbish, cigarette filters, debris from fireworks, offal, the body of a dead animal, litter, sewage or any other waste outside the shelter, motor vehicle or conveyance unless the material is placed in a container that is secured to the shelter, motor vehicle or conveyance, and not placed directly on the ice or in state waters.”

   The law aims to ensure everyone who uses the ice can do so without encountering garbage and other substances that are not only a potential environmental concern but also an eyesore that take away from a quality experience for winter recreationists of all kinds. The penalty for a violation is a petty misdemeanor and carries a fine of $100.

   Plan to store your garbage when you head out ice fishing. If you can’t store it inside your vehicle, bring garbage bags, a sturdy waste receptacle that won’t break in the cold, and the proper tools to secure them to your shelter, motor vehicle, snowmobile, trailer, or other vehicles you drive out on the ice. Simply put, garbage and human/pet waste do not belong on the ice. Take off what you take on! Read the new statute at https://www.revisor.mn.gov/statutes/cite/97C.363. (MN DNR)

   We often get complaints about garbage and waste left on the ice. While responding to these complaints, or if we witness a violation of this new law, we will be prepared to issue citations and educate the offenders on the violation.

   If you have specific questions that you would like answered in this column or in person, please feel free to contact me anytime using one of the following methods:

Email:  [email protected]

Phone:  218-547-1424 or 1-800-450-2677

By Mail/In Person

Cass County Sheriff’s Office

303 Minnesota Ave W

PO Box 1119

Walker, MN 56484

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