Ice conditions vary throughout the season.
"When we have temperatures that get colder and warmer go from freezing to thawing it can really effect the ice conditions" says Cara Kamke, DNR Conservation Warden. The first freeze creating clear ice is the strongest ice.
When you get snow that melts then refreezes on the ice it creates clouded ice which isn't that strong.
"Even though it may be as thick as some clear ice it could have some weak spots with holes in it or air spots which isn't the safest conditions" says Kamke. According the lake-link.com, Lake Winnebago ice conditions range from 10-16 inches with cloudy ice. Organizers of the Walk Across Lake Winnebago are hopeful that the ice will be thick enough for the walk this year.
"We started out with three people, now it's 800-900 people" says organizer Jordan Vanderloop. In 2012-2013, the walk was canceled because the ice was too thin to walk on.
“We like to have 12 inches or more of ice" says Vanderloop. The walk has raised $28,000 for the Neenah Humane Society. The money is used for mostly vet bills and miscellaneous needs. Organizers hope this year, they can walk.
"Just have fun and raise another 10 grand for the animal shelter," says Vanderloop.
The funds raised through the Walk Across Lake Winnebagois one of the largest donations that the Neenah Humane Society receives every year.
