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By Josh Hall | @Vancan19

don't be fooled!

Ponoka warns of thin ice on storm ponds and Battle River

Mar 19, 2024 | 4:22 PM

The Town of Ponoka is advising residents and visitors to be cautious around the Battle River and local storm water ponds as ice melts.

Though it’s going to cool down this week, the recent warm weather has caused much of the snow and ice locally to melt away.

Children and pets should be remain off the river and ponds at all times Dogs should be kept on a leash.

“Even with colder temperatures expected later this week, those temperatures are expected to be short lived and will likely create only a thin crust on top of the melting ice, so people and pets can still easily fall through,” said Stuart Larson, Manager of Protective Services for the Town of Ponoka.

The advisory is also true for the fishing pond at Lions Centennial Park.

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Regardless of how thick ice may look, water is constantly flowing underneath, and there are weak spots that can give way without warning.

If a pet or someone else does fall through the ice, the best option is to call 911 for help rather than trying to venture out onto the ice yourself, the Town adds.