Ice Conditions

February 22, 2022
Elise Schaffer, PIO, (608) 284-6142
Sheriff's Office

The Dane County Sheriff’s Office Marine and Trail Enforcement (MATE) is warning of deteriorating ice conditions on area lakes, primarily Lake Mendota. Due to fluctuating temperatures, ice pockets have formed on the lake, creating unsafe conditions, especially for ATV’s and snowmobiles.

In the past two days, two ATV’s have gone through the ice on Lake Mendota. On Monday, the WI DNR informed deputies of a citizen’s ATV that broke through the ice just off Mendota County Park. The operator was able to escape to solid ice; however, his ATV is now in the lake at a depth of approximately 20 feet.

On Tuesday, deputies and Madison Fire, responded to a man who’s ATV broke through the ice between Picnic Point and Bishop’s Bay. He was also able to get to safety thanks to the flotation on his ATV.

Please use extreme caution on any area lakes. Although these incidents took place on Lake Mendota, similar conditions are likely on other Dane County lakes.