Wisconsin – As residents across the state search for winter scenery and photo-worthy moments to share with family and friends, safety officials are urging caution around frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, and inland waterways, warning that ice conditions remain dangerous despite sustained cold temperatures.
According to the National Weather Service, ice that appears solid is often too thin or structurally inconsistent to safely support a person. Under ideal conditions, ice generally needs to reach at least 3 inches thick to support a single adult on foot. Officials say many bodies of water across Wisconsin have not consistently reached that threshold, particularly due to fluctuating temperatures, snow insulation, and moving water beneath the ice.
Ice strength is influenced by body weight, movement, and surface conditions. Heavier individuals place greater stress on ice, increasing the risk of sudden failure, especially where ice is layered, cracked, snow-covered, or weakened near inlets, outlets, pressure ridges, and currents. Ice that supports one person may fail moments later under another.
Photos and videos circulating online in recent days show people standing or walking on frozen inland lakes and rivers across central and northern Wisconsin. Weather officials warn that falling through ice can quickly become life-threatening. Cold-water shock can cause immediate loss of breath control and muscle strength, often preventing self-rescue. Hypothermia can begin within minutes.
Ice hazards extend beyond water bodies. Sidewalks, parking areas, and untreated roads may remain slick during early morning and evening hours, increasing the risk of slips and falls.
For students, families, anglers, and outdoor enthusiasts, officials emphasize that no ice is ever guaranteed safe, regardless of how cold temperatures feel or how solid the surface appears.
Residents are urged to stay off all frozen lakes, ponds, rivers, and inland waterways, avoid shortcuts across ice-covered areas, and keep children and pets well away from frozen surfaces as winter conditions continue statewide.
