News Release Archive

Reclamation Warns of Changing Ice Conditions

Media Contact: Patience Hurley, (701) 221-1204, phurley@usbr.gov

For Release: February 03, 2016

BISMARCK, N.D. -- The Bureau of Reclamation advises the public to take extreme precautions due to rapidly changing ice conditions at all reservoirs in North Dakota and South Dakota.

Winter snowpack melting due to warm temperatures has increased water inflows, causing rapid shifts in ice conditions. Two cases of ATVs breaking through the ice at Belle Fourche Reservoir this past weekend in western South Dakota emphasize the danger of rapidly changing ice conditions for anglers and other recreationists.

No ice can be considered 100% safe.

"Changing water elevations and increased runoff create dangerous areas of thin ice creating unsafe conditions for individuals recreating on the rivers and lakes," said Dakotas Area Office Manager David Rosenkrance. "These fluctuating water elevations cause shifting ice conditions without prior warning." Reclamation urges extreme caution whenever venturing onto the ice.

General Safety Guidelines for frozen lakes:

  • Leave information about your plans with someone -- where you intend to fish and when you expect to return.
  • Wear a personal floatation device and don't fish alone.
  • Ice varies in thickness and condition. Always carry an ice spud or chisel to check ice as you proceed.
  • Be extremely cautious crossing ice near points of land. Water currents cause ice to be thinner over these areas.
  • Avoid going onto the ice if it has melted away from the shore. Receding ice indicates melting is underway, and ice can rapidly shift position as wind direction changes.
  • Waves from open water can quickly break up large areas of ice. If you can see open water in the lake and the wind picks up, get off the ice!
  • Carry a set of hand spikes to help you work your way back onto the surface of the ice if you fall through. Holding one in each hand, you can alternately punch them into the ice and pull yourself up and out. You can make these at home, using large nails, or you can purchase them at stores that sell fishing supplies.
  • Carry a safety line that can be thrown to someone who has gone through the ice.
  • Leave your car or truck on shore.
  • Heated fishing shanties must have good ventilation to prevent deadly carbon monoxide poisoning. Open a window or the door part way to allow in fresh air.

For more information on what to consider before going onto the ice, visit the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website at: http://www.gf.nd.gov or the South Dakota Game Fish and Parks Department website at: http://gfp.sd.gov.

For more information, please contact Patience Hurley at 701.221.1204.

# # #

The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.

Relevant Link:

Dakotas Area Office Home Page