'More unpredictable than normal': DNR, Coast Guard offer warnings as ice conditions deteriorate

HARTFORD, Wis. (CBS 58) -- While many might be appreciating the mild winter temperatures, winter enthusiasts have had to deal with challenging conditions as they try to partake in their favorite activities.

"We haven't had much ice," said John Ferrante, ice fishing on Pike Lake in Washington County. "I've only been out twice."

Fluctuating temperatures across the Midwest have caused problems. On Monday, the U.S. Coast Guard had to rescue 25 people off two separate ice floes, one off Sherwood Point in Door County and the others in the Saginaw Bay in Michigan. The Coast Guard says varying air temperatures have resulted in historically low ice coverage on the Great Lakes this year.

U.S. Coast Guard warns public of unsafe ice conditions https://t.co/BJ0gFpaxyH

— U.S. Coast Guard (@uscoastguard) February 7, 2023

Further inland, DNR Conservation Warden Zack Feest says lakes in Wisconsin are facing similar issues.

"Everyone has different trust levels in the ice," Warden Feest said. "Ice may be five inches in one spot and 12 inches in another, so it's good to always have your safety equipment when you're going out."

The @WDNR tells me Pike Lake in Washington County is usually FILLED with ice shacks and vehicles during the winter months as anglers try and catch some fish. That’s not the case this year.. pic.twitter.com/heUjkGHODg

— Emerson Lehmann (@ELehmannTV) February 8, 2023

That safety equipment includes a float coat or life jacket, a spud bar to check the ice as you're walking, a phone to call for help if needed, and ice cleats to help keep traction on the ice.

"Not using their common sense, I would say, would be the biggest mistake," Warden Feest said, talking about anglers and others participating in winter activities. "Not checking those ice conditions and just trusting that if they see someone else out there fishing, it must be safe ice and they just go. When we have temperatures like we have now, ice is always unpredictable."

Warden Feest says it's also a good idea to check in with local bait shops or snowmobile clubs who may have ice reports before heading out on the ice yourself. He says no matter what you see or hear, no ice is safe ice.

"This winter in particular has been extraordinary with our fluctuating temperatures," Warden Feest said. "It goes from subzero to warming up and it's been even more unpredictable than normal."

Fortunately, the DNR hasn't had to make any rescues yet this year in Washington County. The hope is it will stay that way as temperatures continue to climb.

"We are always ready for rescues, but it's something we don't want to happen," Warden Feest said. "We hope people realize with these warming temperatures, ice is drastically decreasing."