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Jan. 28, 2025Des Moines, Iowa |  By: Jeremy Werner

Iowa DNR warns of dangerous ice conditions

thin ice

DES MOINES, Iowa - The Iowa Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is warning anglers and outdoor enthusiasts about rapidly changing ice conditions on Iowa lakes, which are expected to worsen with the upcoming warm weather.

This past weekend, nine ATVs broke through the ice, including two at Lake Rathbun on the Missouri border. Thankfully, no injuries were reported, and all vehicles have been recovered.

The DNR says ice conditions are unusually poor despite cold temperatures and minimal snow cover. Open water, pressure ridges, and thin ice have been reported in multiple locations, with hazards increasing after sunset.

The DNR urges extreme caution, advising anglers to check ice thickness frequently and carry safety gear such as life jackets, throwable flotation, and 50 feet of rope.

With warm weather and rain in the forecast, ice fishing in Southern Iowa may end soon, with dangerous conditions spreading statewide.