ATHABASCA – If you’re thinking about going ice fishing out at Calling Lake, leave your truck on the shoreline.
The Athabasca RCMP is warning the public to be cautious about driving their vehicles onto ice after a surge in temperature has left the lake, along with other unmarked waterways, in dangerous conditions.
Two cars have fallen through the lake in the last two days, and while both drivers made it to safety, the RCMP are urging caution to avoid repeat incidents.
The first incident was called in around 2:15 p.m. on Feb. 1, when a 911 caller said his car had fallen through the ice. The Athabasca Fire Department was able to provide a water rescue, alongside the Athabasca and Wabasca RCMP detachments.
“The ice is very thin in a couple of places here,” said Staff Sgt. Mark Hall on Feb. 2. “We had a young fellow yesterday that drove out onto the lake and his vehicle is still stuck there now. He ended up jumping up onto the back to escape from being pulled into the water.”
Another person fell through on Feb. 2 also made it to shore safely, but the Mounties are still encouraging residents to exercise caution.
Hall said it would take a prolonged series of colder temperatures before the ice would be truly safe again — despite the recent cold snap, the ice over the lake hasn’t solidified to a safe level.
