The Iowa Department of Natural Resources is reminding Iowans to use caution as ice forms on lakes and ponds across the northern two-thirds of the state. Recent arctic air has encouraged outdoor activities, but the DNR says at least four inches of clear ice is needed for fishing and five to seven inches for snowmobiles and ATVs. Larger utility vehicles should wait for seven or more inches.
Ice forms at different rates depending on a lake’s size and depth, and thickness can vary. Objects such as rocks, trees and docks weaken nearby ice, and snow can insulate the surface and hide hazards. River ice is weaker than lake ice, and slushy, honeycombed or dark areas should be avoided.
The DNR stresses that no ice is completely safe. New ice is generally stronger, and people should not go out alone. Officials recommend checking thickness often, carrying basic safety gear and using extreme caution when snowmobiling.
