01-08-2007, 11:10 PM
Heavy snowfall that blanketed much of the state New Year's weekend has North Dakota Game and Fish Department officials cautioning outdoor recreationists about snow-covered ice.
Nancy Boldt, water safety coordinator, said the lack of wind allowed snow to accumulate and cover many lakes with up to a foot of snow. "This can be dangerous because you can't see cracked, weak and open water areas." In addition, she said, "All the snow can prevent solid ice formation in the future."
Tim Larson, district game warden at Turtle Lake, said three vehicles have already fallen through the ice at Lake Audubon this winter, and he is concerned about other lakes in his district. "There is a lot of snow on the ice, and people just don't know what the ice conditions are underneath," Larson said. "For example, on Crooked Lake there is only 4-6 inches of ice in some areas, and that is now covered by 10 inches of snow. Even though the snow is starting to settle, people need to exercise extreme caution, especially on the southern portion of the lake."
Boldt says it is important for people to check ice thickness, and to stay away from cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signify thinner ice, and ice that forms around partially submerged objects, such as trees, brush, embankments or structures.
Nancy Boldt, water safety coordinator, said the lack of wind allowed snow to accumulate and cover many lakes with up to a foot of snow. "This can be dangerous because you can't see cracked, weak and open water areas." In addition, she said, "All the snow can prevent solid ice formation in the future."
Tim Larson, district game warden at Turtle Lake, said three vehicles have already fallen through the ice at Lake Audubon this winter, and he is concerned about other lakes in his district. "There is a lot of snow on the ice, and people just don't know what the ice conditions are underneath," Larson said. "For example, on Crooked Lake there is only 4-6 inches of ice in some areas, and that is now covered by 10 inches of snow. Even though the snow is starting to settle, people need to exercise extreme caution, especially on the southern portion of the lake."
Boldt says it is important for people to check ice thickness, and to stay away from cracks, pressure ridges, slushy or darker areas that signify thinner ice, and ice that forms around partially submerged objects, such as trees, brush, embankments or structures.