diff --git a/columnphysics/icepack_mechred.F90 b/columnphysics/icepack_mechred.F90
index ecba9f587..d76ffdbe6 100644
--- a/columnphysics/icepack_mechred.F90
+++ b/columnphysics/icepack_mechred.F90
@@ -426,8 +426,10 @@ subroutine ridge_ice (dt,          ndtd,       &
       !-----------------------------------------------------------------
 
          if (iterate_ridging) then
-            write(warnstr,*) subname, 'Repeat ridging, niter =', niter
-            call icepack_warnings_add(warnstr)
+            if (niter > 1) then
+               write(warnstr,*) subname, 'Repeat ridging, niter =', niter+1
+               call icepack_warnings_add(warnstr)
+            endif
          else
             exit rdg_iteration
          endif