(West Okoboji)– The subzero weather we’ve been experiencing this week is resulting in greatly improved ice conditions on the Iowa Great Lakes. That word from Gary Owen of the Iowa Department of Natural Resources.
Owen says ice thickness varies greatly…ranging from 11 to 12 inches in bays that have been frozen for quite awhile…to four to six inches in areas that froze just recently. As a result, Owen says ice fishermen and others planning to go out still need to exercise caution. He recommends drilling holes every so often to check the thickness.
Owen is also concerned the recent snowfall could act as insulation and slow down ice development in some areas. But overall, he says ice conditions are improving greatly.
Owen says on a good cold night, ice thickness can increase by one to two inches.
Even though ice conditions are improving, organizers for this year’s University of Okoboji Winter Games say as of now plans still call for the activities to be held OFF the ice again this year. That’s still subject to change, though.
