Recent sightings of individuals near and around the Elk River have caused Fernie Fire Rescue to issue a river ice advisory.
River ice is dangerous ice, it’s much more dangerous that lake ice and needs to be respected.
The river currents cause thin spots to develop in the ice regardless of temperature and appearance. These thin spots are hidden beneath the ice surface and are very hazardous.
If you fell through a thin spot, the river’s current would carry you downstream and could entrap you beneath the ice. Entrapment is the leading cause of river deaths.
Even if you were to be located you would most likely die of hypothermia within minutes of entry into the cold water.
Attempting to walk on river ice not only endangers yourself, it puts the lives of first responders at unnecessary risk. To stay safe, stay well away from river ice.
