Hennepin County, MN – With winter recreation increasing ahead of the holiday week, authorities are warning Minnesotans about dangerous ice formations known as pressure ridges, which can pose serious risks to people traveling on frozen lakes.
According to the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, pressure ridges form when ice expands and contracts due to changing temperatures. To the untrained eye, they may appear as large, frozen chunks of ice, but officials say they are not safe to drive over or walk near.
“These ridges can collapse without warning,” the sheriff’s office said in a public safety message posted this week. “Ice near and around pressure ridges is especially difficult to spot after snowfall.”
Pressure ridges are particularly dangerous for snowmobilers, ice anglers, and drivers using ice roads. In worst-case scenarios, vehicles can break through thin ice, leading to costly recoveries or life-threatening situations. Officials noted that even thick surrounding ice does not guarantee safety near these formations.
Residents are urged to avoid pressure ridges entirely, check ice conditions frequently, and remain alert for visible warning signs posted around lakes. Authorities also recommend knowing the body of water before heading out, as ice thickness can vary significantly across the same lake.
The sheriff’s office emphasized that conditions can change rapidly, especially after temperature swings or snowfall that may conceal hazards. While winter recreation remains popular across Hennepin County and the Twin Cities metro, officials say caution is essential.
“Enjoy the outdoors, but make safety the priority,” the agency said.
Anyone who encounters unsafe ice conditions is encouraged to report them to local authorities.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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