DNR warns Iowans to be aware of changing ice conditions on state’s lakes

Last week’s below-average cold built more ice on many of Iowa’s ponds and lakes. But, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources warns, don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s safe.

The agency reported Tuesday that ice conditions on many Iowa lakes have been changing in recent days, and that change is likely to continue with warmer temperatures this week.

According to the Iowa DNR, nine OHV/ATVs broke through ice last weekend: seven on the Iowa Great Lakes and along the Minnesota border, and two at Lake Rathbun, on the Missouri border.

“Between the cold weather and the lack of snow cover, we should have excellent ice thickness and quality, but that’s not the case,” Craig Cutts, chief of the Iowa DNR’s Law Enforcement Bureau, said in a statement.

Usually, a blanket of snow on top of ice acts as an insulator, shielding the ice from cold air temperatures and slowing the formation of thicker ice. With the lack of snow in the Upper Midwest this winter, ice thickness shouldn’t be an issue.

But the Iowa DNR reports that it is.

In Dickinson County — home to the Iowa Great Lakes — some parts of lakes have had open water all winter, and seams in the ice “have been opening during the day, then skimming over at night,” the department reports.

The lack of snow also has created slick conditions on lakes, making it difficult to walk without ice cleats, and has caused issues when OHV/ATVs attempt to stop, even while traveling at speeds below than 5 mph.

At Lake Rathbun, OHV/ATVs have broken through when they drive over pressure ridges that formed in the ice.

“Ice conditions have been changing by the day, and even by the hour in some places,” the Iowa DNR warned. The agency advises checking ice thickness frequently, and including a life jacket, throwable flotation and 50 feet of rope with any fishing equipment.

“We emphasize the point that ice thickness varies on each body of water and we’re really seeing that this year. It’s a good reminder that no ice is 100 percent safe — and to trust your instincts — if it doesn’t look right, stay off,” Cutts said.

The National Weather Service forecast predicts high temperatures in the mid-40s to low-50s across the state this week. Rain is expected Friday in parts of the state.

The Iowa DNR reports that likely will end ice fishing in southern Iowa and cause “significant issues” on lakes with pockets of open water in other parts of the state.