Wintery Weather

It would have been really nice wintery weather if the temperature had been colder. Instead we saw huge flakes fall to the ground and melt quickly after.  Some wet and very heavy snow stuck around but not very much.

We spent most of the weekend in Forest Lake for a hockey tournament. Each time we drove by the lakes I gazed longingly at the fishing shelters out on the ice wishing we could go fishing. I wondered how much ice was on the lake with the fluctuating temperatures we’ve had and heavy wet snows. We’re hoping to get out on the lake this week.

Mike mentioned something about winter camping for Christmas.  We both thought it sounded like a great way to celebrate Christmas but Abby wasn’t sold on the idea. We would only have 2 nights and it does sound like a ton of work to get everything out for just a couple of nights, but wouldn’t that be a great gift? To be able to sleep in a tent on Christmas Eve?

We shall see if we get out on the ice or not but if you plan to venture out then be safe. Here’s some guidelines from the Minnesota DNR.

DNR NEWS – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                            Dec. 16, 2014

Think twice before going out on the ice

With the recent weather fluctuation and inconsistent ice conditions, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is urging everyone to think twice before going out on the ice.

“Ice is never 100 percent safe,” said Maj. Greg Salo, DNR enforcement operations manager. “Don’t put yourself in needless danger. Check ice conditions before venturing out. No fish is worth unnecessary risks.”

Anglers and snowmobilers need to be cautious. Several ATV’s, trucks and fish houses have gone through the ice in recent days. Ice that is 6 inches thick in one area may only be an inch thick in another location.

So far this year, one person has died after going through the ice. Last winter, three people died after falling through thin ice.

Salo recommends anyone heading out on the ice should: carry a set of ice picks, check with a local bait shop or resort— ask about ice conditions— and measure the ice.

If ice at the shoreline is cracked or squishy, stay off. Don’t go on the ice during thaws. Avoid honeycombed ice, dark snow, and dark ice.

Ice is generally thinner where there is moving water, such as inlets and outlets, bridge abutments, islands, and objects that protrude through the ice.

The DNR clear ice thickness recommendations are:

Four inches for walking.
Five inches for a snowmobile or ATV.
Eight-12 inches for a car.
12-15 inches for a medium-sized truck.

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