The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises people to be cautious before going out on the ice.

The DNR Greg Salo says ice is never one hundred percent safe.He urges people not to put themselves in needless danger. Salo encourages people to check out ice condition before venturing out.

He suggests people to carry a set of ice picks, check with local bait shop or resort and ask about ice conditions. Salo strongly recommends people to stay away from cracked, squishy dark ice and snow.

It is believed ice is generally thinner where there is moving water such as inlets and outlets, bridge abutments, islands, and objects that peek though ice.

DR Reports show one person has died this year so far from falling through thin ice. Three people died last year through thin ice.

The DNR ice thickness recommendations are: 

• 4 inches for walking 
• 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV
• 8-12 inches for a car
• 12-15 inches for a medium sized truck