Winnebago, Wisconsin · Direct on-lake USGS instrumentation
Lake Winnebago ice & water conditions
Observed station readings and nearby weather context, with exact sources and visible freshness limits.
This page does not measure ice thickness and does not determine whether travel is appropriate.
Updated
Air temperature · KOSH
80.6 F
Mostly Cloudy · Sep 3, 1:35 PM CDT
Lake elevation · On-lake gage
746.96 ft
Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh · Sep 3, 1:00 PM CDT
Gage height · On-lake gage
3.05 ft
Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh · Sep 3, 1:00 PM CDT
30-day trend
Lake elevation · On-lake gage
746.98 ft
Lake Winnebago near Stockbridge · Sep 3, 1:00 PM CDT
Gage height · On-lake gage
2.92 ft
Lake Winnebago near Stockbridge · Sep 3, 1:00 PM CDT
30-day trend
Sun
Rise 6:20 AM · Set 7:28 PM
NOAA solar calculation · 44.02, -88.42
Minnesota DNR ice thickness guidelines
These figures apply only to new, clear ice. The Minnesota DNR says white ice or snow ice is only about half as strong and advises doubling the guideline thickness for white ice.
| Activity | DNR minimum |
|---|---|
| Stay offMinnesota DNR guidance for new, clear ice | Under 4 in |
| Ice fishing or other activities on footMinnesota DNR guidance for new, clear ice | 4 in or more |
| Snowmobile or small ATV | 5 to 7 in |
| Side-by-side ATV | 7 to 8 in |
| Small car or SUVDriving on ice is never recommended | 9 to 10 in |
| Medium SUV or small truck | 11 to 12 in |
| Medium truck | 13 in or more |
No ice is ever one hundred percent safe. Thickness can vary on the same body of water. Check continuously as you travel, and follow current agency notices, posted closures, and local conditions.
Sources: Minnesota DNR: Ice safety guidelines · Wisconsin DNR: Ice safety
Read this before you go out
No ice is ever one hundred percent safe. This page is an educational reference built from public data and state DNR guidance. It does not measure ice thickness and does not determine whether travel is appropriate.
Ice thickness varies across a single lake and can change overnight. Springs, current, snow load, slush, and refrozen cracks all produce weak ice that no model or nearby sensor can see.
Check the ice yourself, continuously: drill or spud test holes as you go, starting at shore. Carry ice picks, a throw rope, and a flotation aid. Never go out alone, and never drive out early or late season. When in doubt, stay off.
Sportsman Authority provides this reference as-is, without warranty. Decisions on the ice are yours alone.
Data sources
- USGS USGS-04082500 (Lake Winnebago at Oshkosh)US Geological Survey
- USGS USGS-04084255 (Lake Winnebago near Stockbridge)US Geological Survey
- NWS station KOSH observationsNational Weather Service
- Minnesota DNR: Ice safety guidelinesState agency
- Wisconsin DNR: Ice safetyState agency
Data retrieved . Readings refresh throughout the day; USGS values may be provisional and subject to revision.
How the readings work
Source roles, freshness limits, and the complete publication boundary on the Ice & Water Report methodology page. Ice guides and gear research live in the ice fishing hub.
Plan the equipment