‘Conditions change really fast for us’: Lethbridge firefighters warn of thin, weak ice

The City of Lethbridge and local firefighters are reminding people to stay off the ice on ponds and lakes amid sudden temperature changes.

Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services says ponds or storm ponds might look like any other frozen sheet of ice, but they behave differently and can have hidden risks.

Public information officers warn water is constantly moving through these systems and carries sediment and roadway runoff that can weaken ice.

Even in long cold stretches, the ice on storm ponds is unpredictable and parents are asked to keep a close eye on children to make sure they stay away.

“We get those chinooks and freeze-thaw cycles, so it can be 10 inches thick after a couple of weeks of -20, and then in a matter of a couple of days, you’ll break through it just because it’s gotten so warm,” said Jaydon McCarthy, Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services water rescue team co-lead.

“So, it’s really important to stay up to date with which ponds are safe and which aren’t because it’s special for southern Alberta—the conditions change really fast for us.”

The fire department says to call 911 immediately if you see someone in distress near a storm pond, and to not enter the water and attempt a rescue but instead encourage them to kick and pull themselves onto the ice and roll.