Warm Weather Weakens Ice Across Area Lakes

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Unseasonably warm temperatures have significantly weakened ice conditions across lakes in Shawano County, Wisconsin, creating hazardous and inconsistent conditions, especially near shorelines and public landings. DNR officials are warning lake users to use extreme caution as ice stability can vary greatly from one area to the next, and many access points have already become inaccessible or unstable.

Why it matters

Sudden changes in weather patterns can pose serious risks to outdoor enthusiasts who rely on stable ice conditions for activities like ice fishing. This situation highlights the need for public awareness and safety measures as climate change leads to more unpredictable winter weather.

The details

According to DNR Warden Clark Delzer, many lakes in the area are still measuring between 19 and 22 inches of ice overall. However, multiple days of temperatures in the 40s and 50s have significantly weakened the ice structure, accelerating melting and creating dangerous conditions. Several access points, including West Shore launches and the Bamboo launch, have already become largely inaccessible or increasingly unstable. While the Cecil launch still appears usable for now, Delzer warns that high-traffic areas are often the first to fail as warming continues.

• Unseasonably warm temperatures have persisted for multiple days across the region.

What’s next

Officials are urging lake users to use extreme caution and closely monitor ice conditions, as stability can vary greatly from one area to the next. Many anglers have already been forced to remove their ice shacks due to the thinning ice.