News and Activities
“Don’t Be Tempted!”
Beware of thin ice
 Storm water
management ponds do no make good skating rinks. Rochester’s climate does not
consistently support safe ice thicknesses in these ponds.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources advises people to
stay off any water body that has ice less than 2 inches thick. It takes 4
inches of new clear ice to support foot travel. These thicknesses are
merely guidelines for new, clear, solid ice. Running water and ice
formed under freeze/thaw cycles can be unsafe even when it
reaches the recommended thicknesses.
Before crossing ice, test it to learn if it meets these minimum ice
thicknesses. You can test the thickness of ice, progressing from
shallow near-shore areas outward, using an ice chisel, ice auger, or
even a cordless 1/4 inch drill with a long bit. The DNR recommends
that you wear a life vest under your winter gear, except while traveling
across ice in an enclosed vehicle.
There are over 300 public and private storm water management ponds
of varying depth scattered throughout Rochester. Because of their
unique purpose, location, and construction, they are not intended to be
used for recreational purposes.
Weather permitting, the Rochester Park and Recreation Department maintains
outdoor ice rinks beginning in late December. At that time, go on-line to find
locations of rinks and warming sheds.
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