How to topple a 5 million pound ice sculpture

'Iceman'
The 'Iceman' ice sculpture in Superior, Wis., pictured here on March 4, 2015. The sculpture weighs 5 million pounds and stands 50 feet tall.
Courtesy of Roger Hanson

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If you're waiting impatiently for the ice to melt — just imagine how Roger Hanson feels.

The city of Superior, Wis., hired him to create the world's largest ice sculpture as a tourist attraction. But warmer-than-average temperatures hampered his efforts, and his "Iceman" collapsed in early February.

Hanson decided to rebuild, and got the ice sculpture to stand over 50 feet tall and weigh more than 5 million pounds.

Given the medium, this work of art was destined to stand for a limited time. Hanson is contractually obligated to safely dismantle it by March 15, but try as he might, he can't seem to get the thing to topple.

Hanson spoke with MPR News' Tom Crann about his struggle.

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