With cold firmly settling across the state, the Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging outdoor enthusiasts to use caution as ice begins forming on lakes and ponds in the northern two-thirds of Iowa. The DNR recommends at least four inches of clear, solid ice for fishing and five to seven inches for snowmobiles and ATVs. Larger off-road utility vehicles should wait until ice reaches seven inches or more. Officials warn that ice thickness varies from one body of water to another, and even across different areas of the same lake. Rocks, trees, docks, and other objects that extend through the ice can weaken it, and snow cover can slow ice growth and conceal hazards. River ice is typically 15 percent weaker than lake ice. No ice is 100 percent safe, and the DNR recommends Iowans do not go out alone, check ice thickness frequently, and to avoid off-colored or slushy areas. Recommended safety gear includes ice cleats, ice picks, a life jacket, a whistle, and dry clothing. Snowmobilers should slow down, noting limited traction and long stopping distances on ice. A link to the DNR’s weekly fishing reports, which include ice thickness estimates, is included below.
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