On the first day of December I took a little time to drive around Albert Lea Lake and just enjoy the beauty of a crisp clear fall day. This is what all fall days should be like.

Although we have been experiencing some nice late fall weather that has extended into December there have still been some hints of things to come. Each morning there has been a thin layer of ice along the shoreline of Albert Lea Lake extending out into the main lake. For the most part the ice melts off as the day brightens but once the high temperature starts to decline the ice will stay. This is when we must remember to use extreme caution when venturing out onto the ice.

I know there are a lot of fishermen that can’t wait for ice-over so they can venture out onto the ice to try their favorite “hotspot” but beware of thin ice. It is a well known fact to most fishermen that the best winter fishing occurs right after ice-over but that is when there is also a good chance of someone going through the ice.

I have mentioned before of the many times as a kid I stepped through thin ice and filled my 5-buckle overshoes with water. I guess I was lucky but on the other hand walking any distance across a slough with wet feet and pant legs that were stiff as a board was no picnic.

As kids we didn’t think of this as being dangerous at the time, only the little adventure we were experiencing. There was always the dare to see if you could make it from point “A” to point “B” without falling in. The “crick” by Bridge Avenue was always there challenging us to new adventures.

Luckily none of us ever fell into any water that was actually deep enough to more than soak us from the waist down.

There was always something magical about walking on about 2-inches of that clear ice and watching the current flowing underneath. I can still remember the feeling as the ice would sort of sag and groan as you tried to walk on it. You knew you’d gone too far or had made a large mistake when the ice sagged so low that the water came rushing over the top of it. I can remember my first reaction was panic followed by a mad dash to higher ground only to have that pretty clear ice break under my weight as my 5-buckle overshoes started to collect water and my pants tried to soak up the rest of the water in the slough.

After I had reached dry ground I knew that the adventure was over for that day but the realization of what was to come hadn’t dawned on me quite yet. I knew that my mother would be more than happy to see me walk into the house with frozen pant legs and boots filled with water. As if that wasn’t bad enough there was the warming up part which would be even worse. Just thinking about the idea of sitting in front of the old heat register warming up still gives me goose bumps. I can almost feel the pain as my feet began to warm up — now that was a different kind of pain that didn’t go away none too soon. It’s funny how as kids we could experience that pain and still in a couple of days we’d be back there tempting fate once again.

DNR issues ice warning for aerated lakes

The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) warns ice anglers, snowmobilers, skiers and other outdoor enthusiasts to use caution when going onto any lake covered or partially covered with ice, especially those that feature aeration systems.

“Open water areas created by aeration systems can shift or change shapes depending on weather conditions,” said Marilyn Danks, DNR aquatic biologist. “Leaks may develop in air lines creating other areas of weak ice or open water.”

About 285 Minnesota lakes will have aeration systems operating this winter.

Private hatchery operators also use aeration systems, usually on small lakes without public accesses.

Aeration systems generally operate from the time lakes freeze until ice break-up in the spring. They help prevent winterkill of fish, but they also create areas of open water and thin ice, which are significant hazards.

Both “Thin Ice” and Warning” signs are used to identify aerated lakes. The person who applies for a permit is required to maintain “Warning” signs at all commonly used access points to the lake. This sign warns people approaching the lake that an aeration system is in operation and to use extreme caution.

“Thin Ice” signs are used to mark the perimeter of the thin ice and open water area. These signs are diamond shaped with an orange border and white background with the warning “Thin Ice” in bold print. It is the permittee’s responsibility to post and maintain “Thin Ice” signs at 100-foot intervals.

Some municipalities may have ordinances which prohibit entering into the marked area and/or prohibit the night use of motorized vehicles on lakes with aeration systems in operation. These local regulations are often posted at accesses where they apply.

Lakes in our immediate area with aeration systems are Albert Lea, Fountain and Morin Lake in Alden.

Please do what you can to support the charities that are helping area families in need have a good Christmas.

Until next time, stay off the thin ice and be careful when you do venture out and while you’re at it take a little time to enjoy our great Minnesota outdoors.

Remember to keep our troops in your thoughts and prayers throughout the year.