The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is urging Iowans to use caution if they plan on heading out onto the ice this week, as the recent warm weather is making conditions potentially treacherous. Over the past weekend, nine ATVs/UTVs broke through the ice, seven at the Iowa Great Lakes and two at Lake Rathbun. Fortunately, no injuries were reported, but those incidents serve as a reminder about the dangers. DNR Law Enforcement Bureau Chief Craig Cutts says, “Between the cold weather and lack of snow cover, we should have excellent ice thickness and quality, but that’s not the case.” Newly open water and shifting ice seams have posed hazards, especially after sunset, with pressure ridges appearing on some bodies. Officials recommend checking ice thickness frequently and carrying safety gear, including a life jacket and rope. Warm weather and rain could soon end ice fishing in southern Iowa and worsen conditions statewide. The forecast for western Iowa into next week has temperatures reaching into the 40s and 50s each day.
