Minnesota · Otter Tail County
Big McDonald Lake Ice-Out Dates
The ice usually goes out of Big McDonald Lake around April 16 — the third week of April. Earliest ever: April 1 (2016). Latest: May 6 (2022).
April 16Usually around
April 1Earliest ever (2016)
May 6Latest ever (2022)
14Years of record (2004–2025)
The 2027 season
Tracking resumes when the ice forms.
Every recorded ice-out
14 years on the books, 2004–2025. Newest first.
| Year | Ice-out date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | April 16 |
| 2024 | April 5 |
| 2022 | May 6 |
| 2021 | April 2 |
| 2020 | April 25 |
| 2018 | May 1 |
| 2017 | April 5 |
| 2016 | April 1 |
| 2015 | April 12 |
| 2014 | April 28 |
| 2008 | May 4 |
| 2007 | April 17 |
| 2005 | April 12 |
| 2004 | April 17 |
Late ice is unpredictable — no date on this page says the ice is safe.
Records: Minnesota DNR ice-out records. Last checked August 2026.