Lakes Area Lakes Frozen Over, but Likely Not Safe to Venture Out On

DETROIT LAKES (KDLM) – Unseasonably warm weather delayed ice over on Detroit Lakes, however both Big and Little Detroit Lakes are now completely frozen over.

Officially, the ice over occurred on Thanksgiving day, about five days later than the average ice over on the lake.

Though the lake now contains ice, it isn’t completely safe to venture out on yet.

Where there is ice, its thickness this time of year is highly variable and subject to the whims of Mother Nature. And where ice hasn’t formed – or where it freezes at night and opens during the day – the water temperature is so low that an unexpected fall in can be deadly.

Anglers and others who recreate on the ice should stay on shore until there’s at least 4 inches of new, clear ice. Anytime people are on the ice, they should check its thickness every 150 feet.

Each year, unexpected falls into cold water lead to serious injury and death. Wearing a life jacket is the best way to avert tragedy, since the initial shock of falling into cold water can incapacitate even strong swimmers. Carrying a good set of ice picks can help a person get out if they fall through the ice, and a cell phone, whistle or other communications device makes it more likely they will be able to call for help.