The Coast Guard is urging the public to exercise caution around icy waters as
temperatures fluctuate across the Great Lakes region.

Temperature fluctuations have impacts on the structural integrity of the ice and could pose safety concerns for those planning to venture out for ice fishing or other activities. Warmer air temperatures will cause frozen waters to melt at an alarming rate posing safety concerns.

Ice is unpredictable and the thickness can vary, even in small areas. Warm temperatures and currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets, are always suspect for thin ice. Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas since these signify thinner ice. In addition, ice near shore of a frozen lake may be unsafe and weaker because of shifting, expansion, wind and sunlight reflecting from the bottom.