Two Columbia lakes open for ice sports

Columbia Parks and Recreation has opened Stephens Lake Park for ice skating and Cosmo-Bethel Park for ice fishing.

A spokesperson for Parks and Recreation said on Tuesday that the ice depth at both Stephens and Bethel measures at least four inches, which is the minimum requirement for the lakes to be opened for ice sports.

The ice depth is checked by drilling holes through the ice at several locations beginning from the shoreline and working toward the center.

The spokesperson said that the public should be made aware that the ice may be determined safe one day and may not be safe the next, so caution should be used.

Residents should never ice skate or fish alone and be aware that ice thickness is not consistent.