Ice Out 2023 Declared on Lake Minnetonka

Hennepin County, Minnesota sent this bulletin at 04/19/2023 12:31 PM CDT

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hennepin county sheriff dawanna s witt

Media Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact: Kelsey Demmert, 612-919-5918

 

Ice Out 2023 Declared on Lake Minnetonka

APRIL 19, 2023 (Minneapolis) - The Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office, in partnership with Freshwater, has declared Ice Out for Lake Minnetonka on April 19th, 2023 at approximately 8:35 a.m. The longstanding tradition of declaring Ice Out on Lake Minnetonka is the official start to the boating season.

The HCSO Water Patrol unit routinely patrols Lake Minnetonka to monitor ice thickness. Lake Minnetonka is just over 14,500 acres in size with 37 bays. Today, around 8:35 a.m., HCSO deputies, along with members of Freshwater, were able to safely pilot a patrol boat through all the lake’s channels and bays without obstruction by ice.

“We are all extra eager for warm weather this spring and now that we’ve gotten a taste of that much-missed summer heat, we know everyone is ready to get outside,” said Hennepin County Sheriff Dawanna Witt.  “As you prepare to enjoy the beautiful lakes and sunshine we want to remind everyone to be safe and responsible near the water.”

Here are some specific tips from the Hennepin County Sheriff’s Office Water Patrol:

  • Be extra vigilant operating a boat. There are many navigational buoys on Lake Minnetonka that are not in place yet. 
  • Wear a life jacket. Currently, water temperatures are very cold on all bodies of water. If you were to fall in, hypothermia can set in quickly in these conditions.
  • Let someone know where you are and where you plan to go. When boating or spending time near water, make sure a family member or friend knows your whereabouts and when you plan to return.
  • Always supervise children. Parents and caregivers are urged to keep a close eye on children when they are in a boat or simply near the water.

In addition, Sophia’s Law requires that all recreational boats with an enclosed accommodation compartment, including sailboats with motors, must be equipped with a watercraft carbon monoxide detector.

– HCSO–

 

Look for more news on the Hennepin County Sheriff's website at hennepinsheriff.org.