Here in the lower portion of Minnesota we have had too much warm weather yet to set up any or much decent ice. On Monday we got upwards of 9" of snow in Rochester area, some areas slightly more, some less. Even with the lower temperatures behind all this snow, the combination of heavy snow and thin ice can spell problems for those who get too anxious and venture out on ponds, lakes and especially rivers. The news has had a couple stories already this year of people going thru the ice, the ice sheets busting free and heading to open water and even drownings associated with ice fishing.

Don't venture out on a pond, lake or river if you don't see tracks coming and going. Don't be the first. Be sure to spud your way as you go. And always watch for wet spots in the snow cover....stay well away from wet snow. Water can capillary thru snow and hide where its source begins. This is a good season to not trust any ice.