Downstream of Lake Kegonsa

North of the outlet: Lake Kegonsa State Park

South of the outlet: La Follette County Park 

Ice recreation plays a critical cultural role in cold regions. Activities such as ice fishing and ice skating rely on ice as a seasonal surface, while winter activities like cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling often use ice-covered rivers as trail crossings. These activities are rooted in traditions passed down through generations and help maintain strong cultural connections to winter landscapes while encouraging outdoor recreation. 

Ice fishing communities that form around ice shanties foster social connection and a shared sense of place, while also supporting local economies and overall community well-being. Outdoor recreation on ice-covered lakes and rivers brings people together to enjoy nature, strengthening relationships and reinforcing community ties [Knoll]. 

Current ice thickness monitoring in the outlet area is limited. At present, neither Kegonsa State Park nor Lake Kegonsa County Park regularly monitor ice conditions on the Yahara River, leaving visitors without information about ice safety. 

Recent observations show a decline in ice cover and thickness over the past two decades. Climate projections indicate that the duration of safe ice is expected to shorten by an average of 13–24 days under 1.5°–3°C warmer conditions compared to 1900–1929. Winter air temperature, precipitation, and cloud cover explain much of the variability in ice thickness across North America, with warmer winters strongly linked to thinner and less stable ice. As ice becomes less predictable, the risk to recreational users increases [Imrit, Woolway].