Warmer weather over the weekend could put some fishermen on thin ice.
Above freezing temperatures and rain over the weekend may have weakened or even melted ice on frozen lakes. As a result, Greg Matthews with the Department of Natural Resources says those venturing out onto the ice should use caution.
Matthews says all ice should be treated as unsafe, because it could be a foot thick in one spot but paper thin just a few yards away. Matthews says fishermen should pay attention to local conditions and never go out alone. They should also carry sharp tools to help pull themselves out of the water, in the event they do fall through the ice.
As for other outdoor enthusiasts this time of year, Matthews suggests they stay off the ice for the time being.
The minimum safe thickness for people to be out on ice about four inches, five inches for ATVs, six inches for snowmobiles, and at least 10 inches for cars and light trucks.
AUDIO: Andrew Beckett reports (MP3 1:01)
