Sheriff: Ice On Most Twin Cities Lakes Not Safe Just Yet
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- This winter, we've been reminded time and time again how dangerous thin ice is.
As we reported Monday, just this afternoon emergency crews pulled a man's body from the ice on Lake of the Isles in Minneapolis.
On Sunday, the Ramsey County Water Patrol saved three fishermen whose ATV went through thin Ice. That's right, the fishermen actually drove their eight-wheel ATV on about an inch and a half of ice.
The ATV floated, but they were stuck there and couldn't walk or swim. Even though people are itching to get out there to fish, it's still not completely safe.
Thin ice warning signs went up Monday on Bald Eagle Lake in White Bear Lake. The Ramsey County Sheriff's Office said the rescue serves as a reminder of the dangers of thin ice.
"They couldn't get out. They were stuck in their vehicle and that's when they called 911 looking for assistance," Sgt. Eric Bradt said.
Sgt. Bradt says they got the call early Sunday morning and were able to pull the men out with a rope attached to their airboat.
On Monday, plenty of fishermen set up shop on Bald Eagle Lake where the ice is thickest, which is about four inches. Mark Green and Sean Daugherty feel it's safe enough with limited gear.
"It's plenty safe with two guys but when you got three guys loaded up side by side, you don't want to over load yourself. We had snowmobilers out here yesterday afternoon and the water was fluctuating out of the holes, which gives you an indication that's it's a little thin for heavy equipment," they said.
For these two, ice fishing is what winter in Minnesota is all about.
"I was raised on it. We come out here every winter to catch fish and have fun and catch fish and eat fish," Daugherty said.
And although everyone seems to be dying to get out on the ice, Sgt. Bradt warns that until we have several more nights with below freezing temperatures, it still isn't totally safe.
"This ice right now with the weather, it's not safe. It's not safe anywhere in any of the metro lakes," Bradt said.
A good reminder for all winter outdoor enthusiasts is to stay off ice that is two inches thick or less. You can walk on and fish at four inches, and snowmobiles and ATVs are safe at five inches. You can safely drive a car or small pick-up truck on ice that is eight inches thick.
