‘Not normal year for ice conditions’: Ice problems in Lakes Country

DETROIT LAKES, Minn. (KVRR) – This winter has been a warm one across the region, which means the ice is pretty thin on the lakes and rivers. Most lakes across the region are frozen over, but due to warm temps and the rain around Christmas, the ice isn’t as thick as it has in the past.

“It’s been a very unpredictable and not normal year for ice conditions in the area,” said Conservation Officer Jake Swedberg. “We had some really great ice when we first started to freeze up in November. And when we got the warmer temperatures and especially the rain it really ruined the ice that we had out there.”

This has led to many issues. Recently, we’ve seen rescues down at Upper Red Lake, one that included 122 fishermen being stranded on an ice floe. That’s why officials say you should check the ice depth and conditions before venturing out onto the frozen lakes.

“If you are going to venture out just take the precautions necessary, drilling holes, checking ice depth, that kind of stuff. Before trying to go out there.” said Swedberg.

In these situations where either yourself or someone you see fall through the ice, here is what you need to do.

“If you have someone with you they have rope, different things that can get you out there,” said Swedberg. “Otherwise, calling 9-1-1 if you see someone go through that way we can get the resources there that will help save that life and get that person out of the water.”

Officer Swedberg says if someone does fall through the ice, you should never run over to the hole because the ice around could break causing you to go in as well.