1. With the mixed results of ice trying to form on the lake, this is a good time to remind winter lake users about the need to exercise particular care and caution when venturing out on the ice as it begins to thicken. On the following page is some information on General Ice Thickness Guidelines. The MPOA website (wlmpoa.org) also has a video posted on how someone falling through the ice can perform a "self-rescue". https://youtu.be/QKpAzvXSldA An additional video that also describes how to safely rescue someone who fell through the ice can be found here https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/ottawa/ice-rescue-save-tips-advice-video…;

2. From the Wonder Lake Fire Department. On December 5th, the Wonder Lake Fire Protection District responded to a water rescue call for a possible person on the frozen lake. Thankfully, it turned out to be a tarp and not a person. Our airboat was dispatched, and we’re grateful for everyone on the scene. While our airboat did get onto the lake, we want to remind everyone: the lake is not safe. Warmer weather coming up will only make conditions worse. Thank you, Wonder Lake, for keeping an eye out and staying vigilant! 

3. Winter lake users are also reminded of the presence of the rip-rap collars around O'Brien Shoals and Wickline Island, and that ice formation may have changed in those areas of the lake that were dredged or have submerged springs. 

4. Per MPOA regulations, ice fishing shanties must be removed from the Lake daily and must always display the name and address of the owner. 

5. Any recreational vehicle on the ice must properly display a current MPOA winter decal. Automobiles, trucks and SUVs are strictly prohibited from entering upon Wonder Lake ice at any time. Anyone who is observed violating this regulation will be ticketed by the Wonder Lake Police Department with a fine of not less than $50.00 nor more than $500.00. 

6. The Illinois Lake Management Association 40th annual conference will be held March 17–19th, 2025, at the Hilton Northbrook/Chicago. Registration information can be found at: https://ilma-lakes.org/conference-regisration-2025

General ice thickness guidelines

For new, clear ice only

UNDER 4" - STAY OFF
4" - Ice fishing or other activities on foot
5" - 7" - Snowmobile or ATV
8" - 12" - Car or small pickup (Not allowed on Wonder Lake)
12" - 15" - Medium truck (Not allowed on Wonder Lake)

Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice
White ice or "snow ice" is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice. Many factors other than thickness can cause ice to be unsafe.

 Ice is never 100% safe  

YOUR Safety is YOUR responsibility.
Check ice thickness at least every 150 feet. 

Checking ice thickness

Before heading out on ice:

Temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and rough fish all affect the relative safety of the ice. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet tick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away.

Ways to Check Ice Thickness:

Ice Chisel: An Ice Chisel is a metal rod with a sharp, flat blade welded onto one end. Drive the chisel into the ice using a stabbing motion, to create a hole. Next, measure ice thickness with a tape measure.

Ice Auger: There are 3 different kinds of augers: hand, electric and gas. Hand augers are low cost, light weight and quiet. Electric augers are also quiet, but use less manual labor than a hand auger.