Safety first: Experts caution people to check ice conditions before venturing on frozen lake

BEMIDJI -- Experts urge anglers to check ice conditions before setting foot or tire on frozen lakes, after nearly 50 people were rescued Monday from floating ice sheets on Upper Red Lake.

The anglers stranded had believed Upper Red Lake was safe, with several inches of ice along the lake’s southern shore near Rogers’ Resort and Campground. Chris Freudenberg, Rogers’ co-owner, had told people the ice appeared stable according to satellite images he studied that day, until a changing south wind reopened week-old cracks in the ice.

“The Beltrami County Sheriff’s Office advises at this time no one should be on (Upper Red Lake) due to dangerous winds and fissures throughout the area,” a release said. “The next several days will continue to be a dangerous combination for those wanting to fish.”

http://www.bemidjipioneer.com/news/local/3904504-safety-first-experts-caution-people-check-ice-conditions-venturing-frozen-lake