JOE DOUCETTE
NDOW
Weâve been talking about how early ice is variable and what can be safe one day may not be the next. This week, it warmed up at Wildhorse and even with signs posted, people ventured upon the ice without drilling test holes for thickness and several people had their feet punch through, while one person even went completely through.
Luckily, no serious accidents, but there could have been. Ice off the state park boat ramp ranged from as thin as one inch up to six inches and along the pressure ridges there was even some open water. It is not recommended to venture onto the ice from the state park. Ice in the Penrod and Hendricks Arms appears to be a bit more stable averaging four to six inches, but again, drill test holes before going on too far.