The National Weather Service says river and lake ice is beginning to thin and decay as spring temperatures warm above freezing. That means dangerous conditions not only for those driving on the ice in some parts of the state, but also for people recreating.
David Streubel with the National Weather Service says ice conditions in Southcentral Alaska are changing quickly.
“Even from point to point on a lake, the thickness of the ice can vary a lot ,and you just really need to use caution this time of year,” said Streubel.
Even what appears to be thick ice, can be unstable. Streubel said ice is decaying rapidly, creating weak spots.
It was around this time last year, when passer-by rescued a man who fell through the partially frozen ice of University Lake. That same month at the same lake, crews pulled a woman out of the ice. She fell through as she ran after her dog.
This spring, experts are advising to stay off of the ice in rivers and lakes around town and advise the public to use caution in the area.
