Authorities Issue Urgent Thin Ice Warning Following ATV Submersion on Big Stone Lake

Northeast Radio SD News – Big Stone Lake, SD - The Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office is urging the public to exercise extreme caution on Big Stone Lake following multiple incidents of vehicles falling through the ice this week.

Multiple Incidents Reported

On Saturday, Dec. 27, emergency responders received reports of a Polaris Ranger ATV that broke through the ice between the Sunset View addition and Meadowbrook Rd. E on the Minnesota side of the lake. Both adult occupants entered the water as the vehicle became entirely submerged.

Nearby fishermen witnessed the incident and were able to pull the individuals from the water and transport them to a nearby lake access. This marks the second ATV to become partially or fully submerged in this specific area within the last three days.

Hazardous Locations Identified

Sheriff’s Office officials have identified two specific areas of concern for those traveling on the ice:

·        Area 1: Between Sunset View and Meadowbrook Rd. E (GPS Coordinates: 45°22'16.4"N / 96°30'06.8"W).

·        Area 2: Between Mallard Point on the Minnesota side and Shady Beach on the South Dakota side.

A local resident notified staff of open water and thin ice at the second location. Photos from the scene show that a large branch has been placed in the ice to mark the hazard for other travelers.

Weather Conditions Increasing Risk

The warning comes as high winds and snow are forecasted over the next 24 to 48 hours. Authorities state that the expected weather will significantly reduce visibility, making it much more difficult for individuals to identify ice heaves or patches of open water.

The Big Stone County Sheriff’s Office reminds everyone to test ice thickness as they go and to avoid known hazard areas.