(UNDATED) Winter fun is starting to pull people back onto Wisconsin’s frozen lakes and rivers, but state officials are urging everyone to slow down and think twice before stepping onto early-season ice.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources says this is the time of year when ice can look solid but hide dangerous weak spots. Currents, debris and underground springs continue to move beneath the surface even after temperatures drop, and that can thin the ice without warning. The agency says that’s why no ice should ever be considered completely safe.
“Early in the season especially, ice conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly,” said Lt. Jacob Holsclaw, the DNR’s off-highway vehicle administrator. He said the biggest mistake people make is assuming ice is uniform or stable. “Whether you’re on foot, on a snowmobile or in a UTV, it’s important to remember ice is never 100 percent safe.”
The DNR doesn’t track ice thickness across the state, so officials recommend checking with local fishing clubs, outfitters or bait shops for the most accurate, on-the-ground updates. Still, they say the safest option is to avoid traveling over ice altogether when possible.
Even within the same lake, conditions can vary. Inlets, outlets, narrows and spring-fed areas tend to freeze unevenly. Some smaller lakes also use aerators through the winter, which can weaken ice near the center or along private shorelines. Pressure ridges and ice heaves can also shift or expand as temperatures and winds change — another reason officials say people should stay alert.
Safety experts urge people to bring a charged phone, dress for the cold, and carry basic tools like a spud bar to check ice depth and spikes or rope to help escape or help others if someone falls through. They also discourage travel on unfamiliar ice or going out at night.
Motorized vehicles pose even greater risks. Last winter, several ATVs, UTVs and snowmobiles broke through the ice across Wisconsin, leading to six deaths. UTVs are especially heavy — often close to 3,000 pounds, similar to a small car — and that weight can quickly overwhelm early-season ice. The DNR advises drivers to slow down, lower windows, keep doors easy to open and make sure everyone has a flotation device on board. Owners are responsible for the cost of recovering a sunken machine, and fines can grow if recovery takes more than 30 days.
The agency also encourages snowmobilers to enroll in a safety education class. State law requires anyone at least 12 years old and born after Jan. 1, 1985, to have a safety certificate. Classes tend to fill quickly as winter ramps up.
If someone does fall through the ice, officials say the first step is to stay as calm as possible, call for help and use spikes or rope if available to pull yourself out. Rescuers should avoid rushing forward on foot and instead use a rope or another object to reach the person safely.
