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Osoyoos Fire Department warns of thin ice on lakes and pond

Thick ice is the colour blue while grey ice is dangerous, firefighters warn
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Osoyoos Lake on Dec. 27, 2021. (Sarah Hughes Facebook)

Osoyoos Fire Rescue would like to remind everyone to be safe around the ponds and lakes in the area.

Ice may or may not be thick enough to withstand the weight of people or animals.

This after a few people were seen walking a distance out on Osoyoos Lake. It’s been nearly two weeks the Okanagan has been in a deep freeze with average temperatures hovering around -16 C to -20 C.

But did you know the colour of the ice can help you know how frozen it is?

According to the fire department, grey ice is dangerously thin and blue ice is best and safest to skate and play on. White ice does mean it is frozen.

Map explaining ice thickness.
Map explaining ice thickness.

There would need to be 15 centimetres thickness of ice to safely play a game of hockey with teams.

If someone does fall through the ice, call 911 for help. Attempting to rescue them can become very dangerous. Firefighters are trained for these emergencies but avoiding the situation is the best for everyone. The ice this time of year deserves a healthy level of respect, said Osoyoos Fire.

Ice thickness needed to skate, play hockey and ATV.
Ice thickness needed to skate, play hockey and ATV.

READ MORE: Arctic outflow adds to use of electricity



Monique Tamminga

About the Author: Monique Tamminga

Monique brings 20 years of award-winning journalism experience to the role of editor at the Penticton Western News. Of those years, 17 were spent working as a senior reporter and acting editor with the Langley Advance Times.
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