Ice conditions at many Iowa lakes have been changing quickly over the past few days.
Snow covering ice often acts as a blanket of insulation, slowing ice from forming during cold temperatures, and protecting ice from melting during warmer weather. Given the cold weather over the upper Midwest and the lack of snow, ice thickness should not be an issue. But it is.
Ice conditions have been changing by the day, and even by the hour in some places.
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources says to use caution if heading out and keep plenty of distance from open water. The standard safety practices of checking ice thickness frequently, and including a life jacket, throwable flotation device, and 50 feet of rope with your fishing equipment is encouraged.
