National Park Service Urges 'Extreme Caution' As Ice Out Occurs on St. Croix River

The following is a news release from the National Park Service:

With the looming spring thaw, the National Park Service is encouraging the public to use extreme caution as ice out occurs on local rivers. There is no such thing as guaranteed safe ice. 

People venturing out on ice should follow these guidelines: 

• Look for clear ice. Clear ice is generally stronger than ice with air bubbles in it or with snow on it. New ice is usually stronger than old ice. Four inches of clear, newly‑formed ice may support one person on foot, while a foot or more of old, partially‑thawed ice may not.
• Watch out for pressure ridges or ice heaves. These can be dangerous due to thin ice and open water.
• Ice seldom freezes uniformly. It may be a foot thick in one location and only an inch or two just a few feet away.
• Ice formed over flowing water and currents is often dangerous. This is especially true near streams, bridges and culverts. Also, the ice on outside river bends is usually weaker due to the undermining effects of the faster current. 

For more information, visit the Minnesota DNR's website.

A reminder about snowmobile use at the St. Croix National Scenic Riverway:

• Snowmobile use is prohibited on Hayward Flowage, Trego Flowage, Pacwawong Flowage, and the Namekagon River except at designated river crossings.
• Snowmobile use is prohibited on the St. Croix River between the Highway 243 Bridge at Osceola and the Xcel Hydro Dam at Taylors Falls and from the Highway 35 Bridge at Riverside to Gordon Dam.