Local officials across Minnesota are sounding the warning of current ice thinning on many lakes due to the recent warm temperatures.

In the past week fire and rescue teams have had to conduct several rescues on Minnesota lakes and rivers. This week in Pope County a pickup went through the ice. Brown County officials say a UTV went through the ice west of Mankato. Two fisherman went through the ice in their pickup on the St. Croix river, and a car went through the ice on Lake Minnetonka.

First and foremost, when it comes to ice thickness, safety, and predictability -- there are no guarantees. They keys to safety are awareness, knowledge, preparedness, and the ability to react calmly and effectively in case things go bad.

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Minnesota DNR
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Before you go out on the ice, check with a local bait shop or lakeside resort to ask about ice conditions. Once you get there, measure ice thickness using an ice chisel, auger, tape measure, or cordless drill.

Remember, 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 one place and one inch thick a few yards away. Check the ice at least every 150 feet.

White ice or "snow ice" is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice.

Every year Minnesotans die after falling through the ice on lakes. Be aware. Be smart. Be safe. Catch fish!

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