There have been seven vehicles that have broken through the ice
on Lake Minnetonka in four days, Jan. 18-21. Tragically, one
incident resulted in the death of an infant, an 8-month-old girl
from Minnetrista. The Hennepin County Sheriff's Office reminds
residents that no ice should ever be considered safe. Residents
are urged to review these safety guidelines: · Despite the
recent cold weather, channels of Lake Minnetonka remain
dangerous and should be avoided. A vehicle, such as a car,
truck, or SUV, should NEVER be driven through a channel. The
weak ice in a channel is due to water constantly running from
one bay to another bay. The friction of the running water causes
the ice to weaken. · Channels should also be avoided by people
on foot, snowmobiles, and ATVs. A snowmobile or ATV also have a
high likelihood of going through the ice on a channel. ·
Pressure ridges should be avoided at all times due to a false
impression that the ice is stable. All vehicles including cars,
trucks, SUVs, snowmobiles, and ATVs