Department web site and information source for Center City, Minnesota.

PHONE: 651.257.3864

PLEASE BE CAREFUL . REMEMBER NO ICE CAN BE CONSIDERED COMPLETELY SAFE.

Ice conditions can be very deceptive. While people can be happily skating at one end of the pond - a child can be dying at the other end.

We could spend a great deal of time on the characteristics of the many different types of ice. While, it is sufficient to say that all ice is dangerous - there are some specific factors it's important to know.

• New, clear ice is generally the strongest.

• Lake ice is usually stronger than river ice.

• Snow and water erode ice and add weight.

• When ice pulls back from the shore, it is also eroding from above and below.

The following guidelines were developed for Winter Olympic Games and by state conservation departments. Your ice conditions may require more conservative guidelines.

• Do not go out on the ice alone. Let someone know where you're going and when you plan to return.

• Wear proper clothing. Items which provide thermal protection and flotation

• Carry ice picks and a length of rope with you.

• Beware of shallow areas where springs might carry warm water to the surface to form thin spots.

• Use caution near the shoreline - water level drops may occur close to shore and ice may not be supported by water underneath.
  

• When operating vehicles on ice, keep doors and windows open.
  

• Do not follow other vehicles closely. The weight creates waves in hte ice thaat may cause breaks.

• Do not operated a vehicle at speeds between 15 and 25 mph - go slower or faster. Between 15 and 25 mph a vehicle causes the ice to move at its resonant frequency which may cause the ice to shift and fail.

• Travel slowly at night, so you don't overun your headlights. Watch for and avoid ice heaves.

• Heavy loads, such as trucks, should be seperated by at least 100 feet.

• When parking long-term, measure deflection using pilot hole/water method. If the rate of change does not decrease after 1/2 hour, move or decrease the load.

• A large temperature fluctuation (30 degress) requires people to stay off the ice for at least 24 hours.