inland lake ice - when is it safe?

[strokeoluck]

We're new to boating and live amidst a whole bunch of inland MN lakes. The ice is disappearing rapidly from some of the smaller all-sports lakes nearby. The closest one (about five-tenths of a mile from our home) is about 70% ice-free. Once we see that the lake is 100% ice-free, are we safe to take the boat out on it? I don't want you to think we'll be standing there in our swimming suits w/the SUV running and trailered up waiting for the last ice cube to melt. But if, by next weekend, the lake appears clear...are we good to go out? Or is there a possibility that some ice lurks beneath the surface? I wouldn't think so, but I don't want to be the first idiot out on the lake, only to hit a big chunk of underwater ice and sink our runabout.

 

[angus63]

Re: inland lake ice - when is it safe?

Water is the most dense at 4 degrees C. Ice is less dense than the surrounding water and always floats. Rocks and tree stumps are a different story.

 

[Mark_VTfisherman]

Re: inland lake ice - when is it safe?

What he said. Ice floats- if it can't be seen it won't be there.

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: inland lake ice - when is it safe?

Take extra warm clothing, JIC. Depending on the size of the lake, the air temp over land and 36 degree water can be quite different, down rite cold..........if your not prepared.

 

[Shizzy]

Re: inland lake ice - when is it safe?

you must be speaking of some of the bays on Minnetonka. All of the lakes I have seen have been ice free for a week.

Have at it!!

 

[Navy Jr.]

Re: inland lake ice - when is it safe?

If it is Lake Minnetonka and you are new to boating, I might suggest you wait until they put the buoys back out to mark shallow rock areas and safe channels. They usually have them out within a day or two of official "ice out."

 

[AK_Chappy]

Re: inland lake ice - when is it safe?

Unfortunately,
The water is still quite hard up here.
Soon, very soon. Fish will return in large numbers. I feel it in my.....arms.

AK Chappy