MECAN, Wis. — Authorities are warning about unsafe lake ice, as the state experiences a swing in temperatures this week.

The Wautoma Police Department shared a video on its Facebook page that illustrates this scenario.

What You Need To Know

  • The DNR warns there is no such thing as 100% safe ice

  • The Agency warns you can not judge strength of ice by one factor like its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow

  • The DNR does not monitor local ice conditions or the thickness of the ice. Local bait shops, fishing clubs and resorts serve winter anglers every day and often have the most up-to-date information

Two bystanders recorded a black SUV crashing through the ice at Lake Puckaway in Mecan, Wis. on Saturday, Dec. 7.

Police say the ice on the lake measured four inches, but it was not thick enough to carry the weight of the vehicle.

The Wisconsin DNR says that you cannot judge the strength of ice by one factor like its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether the ice is covered with snow. Ice strength is based on a combination of several factors, and they can vary from water body to water body. Ice strength can also vary in different areas of the same body of water.

The Wautoma Area Fire District Water Operations Dive Team responded, and the driver is okay.

Read more on ice safety, here. 

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