Boundary Waters Ice

     Most of the Boundary Waters is now covered with ice and snow.  People have been out skiing, ice skating, fishing, and snowshoeing on the now solid surfaces.  The larger lakes, such as Saganaga and Gunflint on the Gunflint Trail are still blue and wavy.  Since you are never 100 percent safe while travelling across a frozen body of water, the Department of Natural Resources offers the following information to make your journey as safe as possible.

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  • Stay off of the ice if there is less than 2" of ice.
  • Carry two large nails to use as ice picks to pull yourself out if you fall through the thin ice.
  • Many ice drownings involve children.  When your child is near the ice, you should be near your child. 
  • Never drive on the ice at night.
  • Avoid pressure ridges, and areas with current if you do choose to drive on the ice.
  • Avoid alcoholic beverages when you’re on the ice.  They can make you feel colder and slow down your reaction time in case of an emergency.
  • Drive with your windows down and doors partially open to avoid becoming trapped if your car breaks through.