Ice Conditions

January 06, 2024
Sgt. Kyle McNally
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office, Marine and Trail Enforcement Team, would like to draw attention to the unsafe ice conditions on all area bodies of water.  The recent snow fall comes with extra concern.

 

The Madison area lakes have not begun to freeze over and it appears it will be quite some time before they do.  Area retention ponds, drainage ditches, and other small bodies of water have thin ice forming on the surface.  The snowfall will make it difficult to judge the thickness of the ice.  Please use extreme care before venturing onto any ice this year.

 

As the winter season progresses, the DCSO recommends the following safety precautions for those planning to enjoy ice activities:

 

• Make a plan and tell someone where you will be going and when you plan to return.

• Do not go out alone.

• Wear appropriate clothing for the temperature.

• “Check before you step.”

• If conditions are unknown, seek information from local sources.

• Carry your cellular phone in a waterproof container and keep it where it can be easily accessed.

• Wear floatation in the form of a life jacket or float suit.

• Check the ice often as you travel.

• Carry ice picks. 

• Utilize a spud bar to check the ice as you move.

• Stay away from areas of open water.

• When in doubt, don’t go out.

• Even if you have previously been out on the ice, or observed others on the ice, assume it is unsafe until you have checked it yourself.