Just because the trails have enough snow for a base. Does not mean the Copper Country has cooled down enough for ice to begin forming on lakes and canals. Despite the region receiving more than 75 inches of snow so far this winter, the Keweenaw Peninsula’s temperatures have stayed relatively warm for the time of year. The Bootjack Fire Department and the United States Coast Guard warn snowmobilers, ice skaters, and ice fishers to remain patient and to stay off of the lakes.
Going on the ice it’s not safe we have not had the cold weather that you know that we need to deal with the mild temperatures and if we get rain which we’re supposed to will make it even more dangerous if they don’t realize when they get in certain areas there’s under toes or currents and the ice can go down to nothing more they’ll fall through so easy – Dan Sarazin, Fire Chief, Bootjack Fire, and Rescue Department.
Snowmobiles that fall through ice present an environmental hazard for the body of water. Individuals who sink a snow machine will become responsible for financing its removal. Accidents on the ice will also require first responders to act quickly. Winter water rescues are very dangerous for rescuers. Victims can quickly enter a state of shock and become dead weight to carry out of the water.
I’m not condoning ice archers from going out yet, but they take, you know, they’re more cautious than the young groups that are just skating because pretty soon someone skates off to the side and by the bridge, that’s a dangerous spot. – Dan Sarazin, Fire Chief, Bootjack Fire and Rescue Department
Please stay off of ice on lakes and rivers. Ice should be a minimum of four inches thick before ice skating. Snowmobiles require a minimum of 7 inches of ice to support the weight of a machine and rider. Please contact your local fire department for more information.
