This past couple of weeks saw temperatures in the high 30s and 40s with rain along the North Shore, leading to standing and running water on many of the popular river hikes. 

Fresh, thin ice on the Split Rock River where it meets Lake Superior on Feb. 16, 2023. A popular Lake County river snowshoeing and hiking route, the Split Rock River now has running water in some sections.

Generally, Northerners and the MN DNR recommend that no ice is safe ice, come late January through February winter river hikes are a popular activity on the North Shore (for locals and visitors both). Guided tours are available both commercially through local outfitters and through state parks, including Tettegouche State Park’s guided Baptism River Snowshoe currently scheduled for Feb. 25, 2023. 

When asked for comment on river ice safety with respect to snowshoeing, skiing, and hiking within the Superior National Forest Joy Liptak VanDrie, Superior National Forest Public Affairs Officer, stated, “No ice is 100% safe, especially on rivers where moving water doesn’t usually allow ice to thicken to safe levels, or the ice thickness can change very quickly (even in cold conditions).”

It’s best to never assume that ice is safe even when someone has ventured out before you. According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (MNDNR)’s Ice Formations and Conditions, footprints are not a good indicator of ice safety.

Footprints on the sides of the Cascade River Feb. 16, 2023. Note that footprints in snow may be several days or even weeks old, and are not necessarily indicative of recent walking on ice

The MN DNR also notes that increased snowfall can influence safe ice formation. Snow’s insulating effect can slow the formation of ice leading to weaker ice overall, particularly in places such as rivers where current is involved. This winter season, the Arrowhead saw several blizzards with heavy snowfall including the 2022 Christmas Blizzard. 

As reported by the National Weather Service (NWS) Duluth, on Dec. 27, 2022, as many as two feet of snow were recorded in some areas, including Grand Marais and much of Cook County, by the start of 2023. These snow incidents resulted in setting multiple snowfall records, while January 2023 saw above-average temperatures.

Nils Anderson, owner of Duluth Gear Exchange and avid North Shore outdoorsperson successfully skied five miles of river north of Grand Marais in early February (before the warmer temperatures) with a group of experienced friends.

“Navigating frozen rivers is an awesome winter opportunity, when done safely,” Anderson said. “Inconsistent temperatures throw a bit of a wrench in things, as it's difficult to know how much ice has accrued. Especially this year, with a lot of snow arriving before the temperatures really dipped for an extended period. That snow insulated what ice was present, perhaps preventing the ice from getting as thick as it might have otherwise.”

When asked what advice he would give to tourists and visitors planning to hike frozen rivers in the coming weeks, Anderson said, “I would recommend paying close attention to the weather conditions and plan to just play it by ear. I wouldn't assume anything about a certain river's ice conditions until you see it firsthand. It would be wise to develop a plan B in case the river is not safe to navigate.”

Meanwhile, the recent high temperatures and rain have created honeycomb ice throughout the North Shore rivers. According to the Minnesota DNR, honeycomb ice is one of the most dangerous types of ice. Honeycomb ice forms when the sun begins to thaw ice, causing water to seep through that ice creating pores that compromise the structure of the ice. If any honeycomb ice is observed on lakes and rivers, hikers are advised to stay off that ice entirely. 

Close-up of honeycomb ice in Cascade River State Park, Feb. 16, 2023

It doesn’t take thaw conditions on the rivers for ice to be life-threatening. Ice accidents can happen in any conditions, even with experienced ice river travelers and conditions deemed safe enough.

Water flowing over ice on the Baptism River near Silver Bay, Minnesota under Highway 61, Feb. 16, 2023

Despite the risks, many Northerners will continue to venture out on the frozen rivers, and it’s up to the individual explorer to make their own risk management decisions about ice safety.

“It’s good to be overprepared,” Anderson of Duluth Gear Exchange added when asked about the skills and level of expertise people planning frozen river hikes should have. “On that recent day trip, we carried LOTS of snacks and water, extra warm layers, throw ropes in case anyone fell into open water, climbing equipment for rappelling a waterfall in one section, and a full first aid kit. There were various levels of wilderness first aid training among the group.”

What should you do if you fall through the ice? You can view the step-by-step instructions for ice immersion self-rescue here from the MNDNR and KARE11.

Up-to-date ice conditions can be found by contacting local Minnesota State Parks for river conditions within state parks or by contacting National Forest Ranger District offices. 

About Maddy Marquardt