With the lack of snow throughout the snowbelt so far this season, it is understandable that in desperation, sledders may head to the lakes to ride. Depending on the recent weather in your area, this may or may not be a good idea.
The Minnesota DNR has several ice safety tips for winter sports enthusiasts and it wouldn't be a bad idea to check them out before you decide to ride your $9,000-plus Thundercat out onto the lake.
According to the Minnesota DNR, if you are planning to walk onto the lake, there must be at least 4 inches of ice to support you. If you are going to ride your 700 XCR across the lake to your buddy's cabin, you'd better make sure there is at least 5 inches of ice. If you decide you can't walk to your fish house, it would be a good idea to get out your auger and check to see if there is at least 8 to 12 inches of ice to support your car or small pickup or 12 to 15 inches for your medium-size pickup or your vehicle may end up on the bottom of the lake as a home for the fish.
If you decide that you do not need to measure the thickness of the ice before venturing out onto the lake, the Minnesota DNR gives you steps to take if you or your buddy falls through thin ice.
The Minnesota DNR also suggests that snowmobilers wear either a life jacket or a flotation-capable snowmobile suit. You can get some info about a few of these snowmobile suits in our Hot Products section. The DNR also points out that it's not a bad idea to carry ice picks with you to help pull yourself back onto the ice, should you fall in.
For more information, contact the Minnesota DNR, Metro Regional Office, 1200 Warner Road, St. Paul, MN 55106 • 651/772-7900 or log onto its website at
www.dnr.state.mn.us