DNR warns ice-house owners as warm winter thins ice
The Minnesota DNR is warning ice anglers — including those in the Twin Cities who keep houses on nearby lakes — to plan now for removing their shelters as March deadlines approach amid unusually warm weather and thinning ice. Permanent shelters must be off southern inland waters by March 2, northern inland waters by March 16, and Minnesota–Canada border waters by March 31; after those dates, any shelter on the ice overnight has to be occupied. Officials stress that houses cannot be left at public access sites and that owners must remove all trash and blocking materials, even wood that has frozen into the ice, to avoid littering violations. The agency says record February warmth has already created weak spots on some lakes, raising the risk that both people and fish houses could break through if owners wait until the last minute. Lt. Col. Robert Gorecki said they want the season to "end on a high note," meaning shelters off by the deadlines and clean ice.
📌 Key Facts
- Removal deadlines: March 2 (southern inland), March 16 (northern inland), March 31 (Minnesota–Canada border waters)
- Shelters left on the ice overnight after deadlines must be occupied between midnight and one hour before sunrise
- DNR highlights record‑warm February and warns of thin ice and litter, including frozen‑in wood blocking, that must be removed
📊 Relevant Data
February 2024 was the mildest February on record in St. Cloud, Minnesota, with an average temperature of 30.4 degrees Fahrenheit, which is 14.3 degrees above the average.
February 2024 and Winter 2023-2024 St. Cloud Weather Summary — St. Cloud State University
The warm winter of 2023-2024 in Minnesota was influenced by a strong El Niño event, which typically results in milder temperatures and less snow in the region.
"El Niño" is Coming. What Might That Mean for Minnesota's Weather? — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
In the 2023-24 winter season, there were 6 ice-related fatalities in Minnesota, higher than the 5-year average of 3.2 deaths per winter season.
Ice fatality statistics 1976-2025 — Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Minnesota's winters are warming due to climate change, with the coldest months warming the fastest, and the years 2021, 2023, and 2024 ranking among the top ten warmest on record.
Climate Change in Minnesota — University of Minnesota
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