MASON CITY, IA - It's something we've been talking about all winter. Warmer temperatures have made thin ice a cause for concern. And now we're seeing the affects in North Iowa.
The Iowa DNR has cancelled the winter trout stocking at Blue Pit. They said since there's currently open water on areas of Big Blue, it's too risky to hold the family event.
DNR officials said most bodies of water have about eight to ten inches of ice, which is generally considered a safe amount. But the real danger lies in the unpredictability of ice from one day to the next.
DNR officials said that one day's weather or water movement can cause a change in ice thickness in a short amount of time, especially in a season like this one when temperatures have been warmer than usual.
They said it is okay for folks to be out on the ice, but you need to take precautions.
"We recommend drilling test holes. Fishing with a partner so you have more than one person if someone does get in trouble you have someone there to assist. Carrying a piece of rope for a safety device," Scott Grummer, a Fishery Biologist with the Iowa DNR.
Grummer also said that foot traffic is the safest right now. Driving your car or truck, or even smaller vehicles like snowmobiles or ATVs, is especially dangerous.
The DNR still plans to release trout into Big Blue. They said they'll do that this spring once the ice melts.
