Insider Blog: Lakes freezing around Mid-MO

Our recent cold snap has brought an areawide hard freeze, even enough to freeze over some local lakes. As of January 17th, Stephen's Lake is open for recreation and skating with the minimum required ice depth of 4" recorded. More frigid temperatures in the short-term forecast should keep this ice around for some time, but it's important to stay safe on the ice.

Above all you need to stay layered up while heading out. Temperatures cold enough to freeze lakes are dangerous to be out in, so you need all the extra winter gear on top of the ice skates. Make sure you keep ears and hands covered. While it may be tempting to bundle up your toes with wooly socks it's better to opt for thinner moisture-wicking ones that will keep your feet dry.

It's important to prepare but also stay safe and aware while getting out to skate. In a worst-case scenario, where you or someone else falls through the ice, there are tips you should keep in mind. If you find yourself falling through ice, be very aware of the initial shock of falling into cold water, which will reflexively cause you to inhale. Avoid this and get your head and body above water as fast as possible. Shock can wear down your muscles in under 5 minutes in frigid water. Orient yourself to the direction you fell in from (you will likely have a thick line of ice to shore) and grab the ice to hoist your upper body up. Then kick your feet to get horizontal and lift yourself further out of the water. Most importantly, when you initially get back onto the ice, DON'T stand up immediately. Keep your weight spread, get some distance closer to shore then stand when the ice is thicker. If others fall in, DO NOT go in after them. First call 911, then extend a rope or ladder or other objects to hoist them out.

Ice skating is a fun rarity in Mid-MO and local lakes are closely monitored almost daily to check the required ice depth.