Ice has been forming on area lakes and ponds.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources recommends a minimum of 4 inches of clear ice for ice fishing and at least 5 inches for snowmobiles and ATV’s.
Trust your instincts, if the ice does not look right, don’t go out.
Other safety tips from the DNR include:
-Don’t go out alone, if the worst should happen, someone will be there to call for help or to help rescue.
-Avoid off-colored snow or ice. It is usually a sign of weakness.
-Always check the ice thickness as you go out.
Remember, no ice is 100 percent safe.