Warm Winter, Sketchy Ice: Wyoming Officials Say Don’t Trust Frozen Lakes Right Now

The original story by Garrett Grochowski for Oil City News.

The days are short, the wind’s doing its usual Wyoming thing, and people are still heading outdoors — because of course they are. But state officials are waving a big caution flag for anyone thinking about stepping, sliding, or roaring onto frozen water this winter.

Wyoming State Parks and Wyoming Game and Fish say the warmer-than-usual weather is making ice activities way more unpredictable — and potentially dangerous, even when a lake looks solid. Temperature swings can weaken ice fast, change stability overnight, and create thin spots you won’t see until it’s too late.

“While winter offers stunning landscapes and exciting recreational activities, it’s important to remember that ice is never 100% safe,” said Wyoming State Parks Chief Ranger Mark Caughlan.

He said Parks and Game and Fish are working together on patrols, training, and public education to cut down on accidents that don’t need to happen.

Yes, wardens and rangers check thickness in places, but ice doesn’t freeze evenly. One section can be thick enough for a snowmobile while another is basically a trap door, especially near vegetation, pressure ridges, or areas where water moves underneath.

Officials recommend checking thickness yourself, and they offered these minimum guidelines before different types of traffic:

• 4 inches minimum for walking;
• 6 inches for one ATV/UTV/snowmobile;
• 9–12 inches for one car or small truck;
• 15 inches for one medium-sized truck.

And that’s assuming the ice is consistent — which it often isn’t in a warm winter.

Both agencies respond to ice emergencies every winter, and the big problem in Wyoming is distance: help can be far away, weather can turn fast, and a bad moment can become a serious rescue.

Caughlan’s message is blunt: be ready to self-rescue. That means bringing gear that’s small but could be life-saving, including:

• A personal flotation device;
• Ice awls (ice picks);
• Common-sense safety habits (going with a buddy, avoiding unknown areas, paying attention to cracks and open water).

Because the difference between a fun day outside and a disaster can be just a few steps.

For updates and guidance, officials say to check the Wyoming State Parks website for more information on conditions and safety.