WALKER-The Cass County Sheriff's Office is receiving a variety of reports of a wide range of ice conditions on area lakes.
"The unseasonably warm month of December has caused some good early ice conditions to deteriorate and the thaw/freeze cycles have opened up large cracks and ice heaves on area lakes," Cass County Sheriff Tom Burch reported in a news release. "The area of Walker Bay of Leech Lake is extremely unstable due to late freezing and a large crack extends from First Point to the middle of Walker Bay as well as an area of open water near First Point, both in common and popular fishing and travel areas."
The sheriff's office urged extreme caution on all area lakes, especially during the holidays, when a lot of people are using area lakes for a wide variety of recreation.
The sheriff's office reported:
• No ice should ever be considered safe.
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• Check existing ice conditions while traveling.
• Check with local bait shops, resorts, gas stations and other anglers for conditions.
• Consider means of transportation other than a motor vehicle, such as an all-terrain vehicle, snowmobile or foot travel.
• Do not travel on the lake after dark.
• Always notify someone of the area to be traveled and an expected return time.
• Carry a cellphone.
• Be familiar with the lake-carry a map.
• Consider a GPS unit to help get on and off the lake.
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• Avoid the use of alcohol.
• Pay attention to warning signs posted. Remember warning signs cannot be posted everywhere.
• For emergency assistance, call 911.
