Grand Traverse County, MI – As lakes across Northern Michigan begin to freeze this week, the Grand Traverse County Sheriff’s Office is urging residents and visitors to use extreme caution before stepping onto the ice. Early-season freeze conditions often create deceptively thin surfaces that may not support weight.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, individuals should always test the ice as they move outward to ensure it is strong enough to walk on safely. Officials emphasized that unpredictable temperature swings can cause rapid changes in stability, even on lakes that appear fully frozen.
The agency shared a photo Tuesday from the county’s dive team training session last week on Bass Lake. That training quickly became essential, as the dive team was called out this past weekend to assist a Mutual Aid partner during an ice-related emergency. No further details on the incident were immediately released.
Ice safety experts typically recommend at least 4 inches of solid, clear ice for walking, with thicker measurements required for ATVs, snowmobiles, or vehicles. The Sheriff’s Office encouraged residents to remain vigilant and to avoid venturing onto ice alone.
As colder temperatures settle into the region, officials say now is the time for families, anglers, and winter recreation enthusiasts to review ice safety practices and remain alert while conditions continue to stabilize.
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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