BEMIDJI — The order restricting vehicle access on Upper Red Lake because of dangerous ice conditions will be lifted at sunrise Wednesday, Jan. 10.
Beltrami County Sheriff Jason Riggs announced the change after aerial observations showed the lake has iced over, leaving little room for shifting ice to move.
Numerous ice rescues on the popular ice fishing lake in December prompted the order, when shifting ice broke away from the firmer ice near shore, stranding anglers on multiple occasions.
“Lifting of this restriction does not mean that the ice on Upper Red Lake, or any area lake, is ‘safe’ or has consistent thickness and integrity. Ice can never be considered 100% safe,” stated Riggs in a news release.
An ice assessment team, including Riggs and his deputies, resort operators, Kelliher Fire and Rescue, the Red Lake Nation and the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, are monitoring ice conditions on the lake.
“Imposing restrictions on Upper Red Lake was not an easy decision, it impacted many people and their livelihoods as well as inconvenienced those who wanted to enjoy fishing on the lake,” Riggs stated.
“Since imposing the vehicle restriction, my office has not had to respond to one ice rescue on Upper Red Lake. I would like to thank everyone for their cooperation.”
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends the following ice thicknesses of new clear ice, with double that for white ice. Do not include snow or slush in your measurements.
- 4 inches – foot traffic/walking.
- 5 to 7 inches – snowmobiles and small all-terrain vehicles.
- 7 to 8 inches – side-by-side ATVs.
- 9 to 10 inches – small cars or SUVs.
- 13 to 17 inches – trucks.
- 20 inches or more – heavy duty trucks and wheelhouses.
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