Ice in and Ice out Dates

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Ice In Definition

In Minnesota, an "ice in" date is when a lake is frozen over with a continuous and immobile ice cover for the first time that season. This date is determined by observers and is not based on a specific thickness, but rather on the first full, unbroken freeze that lasts more than a day.

View DNR data here - you can select a year and a specific lake: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_in/index.html?year=2025#map

Ice Out Definition

An “ice out” is the day a lake is considered free of ice and navigable, which can have different definitions depending on the lake. Typically, it signifies the lake is either completely ice-free, has enough open water to navigate from point A to point B, or is at least 90% clear of ice.

View DNR data here - you can select a year and a specific lake: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/ice_out/index.html

Ice Safety

Neither the DNR nor the SRCLA measures ice thickness on Minnesota lakes. Your safety is your responsibility. Check ice thickness as you go.  

Ice is never 100% safe!

Learn more at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/index.html

Ice In Dates Across the Chain

The SRCLA is asking our members to become Citizen Observers and report ice in dates. This is NOT when it is safe to walk on - this is when the ice has been on the lake for more than one day.

Becker
Bolfing 12/2/25
Cedar Island 12/1/25
East 12/1/25
Great Northern 12/1/25

Horseshoe
Koetter 11/28/25
Knaus 11/28/25
Krays
Little Cedar Island

Ice Out Dates Across the Chain

Long
Mud 12/1/25
Park 12/2/25
Schnieder 12/1/25
Zumwalde 12/2/25

The SRCLA is asking our members to become Citizen Observers and report ice out dates.

Minnesota Sea Grant’s Minnesota Lakes Thaw Tracker provides lake-specific forecasts starting January 1, giving the public more time to monitor seasonal changes. Beyond planning, the tracker supports public safety by reminding users that a thaw forecast is not a measure of ice thickness. These science-based insights help Minnesota’s coastal communities and industries safely navigate the transition from winter to spring.