Frigid conditions have brought thicker ice to Minnesota lakes in recent days -- but conditions may not be safe for driving on frozen lakes, as one driver found out over the weekend.
A truck went through the ice Saturday on Big Pine Lake near Perham, the Otter Tail County Sheriff's Office reported. Authorities said the Ford F-150 was still in the lake as of Sunday evening.
Authorities were notified of the incident at about 7 p.m. Saturday. They said the front end of the truck sank partway into the water, but the back bumper remained caught on the ice.
A dive crew is expected to remove the truck today or Tuesday.
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources offers the following guidelines for new clear ice: 4 inches for ice fishing or other activities on foot, 5 inches for a snowmobile or ATV, 8-12 inches for a car or small pickup, 12-15 inches for a medium truck.
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Ice thickness may vary greatly across a single body of water, making it important to check the ice conditions before heading out.
