It doesn't take many 40 to 50 degree days in January to change the structural integrity of the ice on many of South Dakotas rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.

That news coming from federal authorities who are advising people in both South and North Dakota to watch out for quickly changing ice conditions on bodies of water throughout both states.

Winter snowpack that’s melting due to warmer than normal temperatures has increased water inflows enough to cause rapid shifts in ice conditions according to the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation.

David Rosenkrance, the Dakotas Area Office manager says, "The changing water elevations and increased runoff create thin ice that makes rivers and lakes unsafe. Elevations change the ice conditions with no warning."

Please keep that in mind the next time you get the urge to take that snowmobile, ATV or truck out on the lake to do a little cruising on the ice, or before you decide to go ice fishing over the next few weeks. 

The Department of Natural Resources recommends that you adhere to the following ice safety tips for new clear ice:

  • Stay off ice that is 2" or less.
  • Never ice fish or plan any other activities on foot on ice that is less than 4".
  • Snowmobiling or ATV riding should only take place on ice that is at least 5" or greater in diameter.
  • Cars and small trucks require an ice base that is at least 8" to 12" in diameter.
  • And never attempt to take a medium size truck on a body of ice that is less than 12" to 15" thick.

 

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