DES MOINES, Iowa –The Army Corps of Engineers is warning Iowans to stay off the ice at lakes across the state.
Officials say that frozen conditions are unstable due to receding water levels. Saylorville Lake was 30 feet above normal on Dec. 22 and has been receding about a foot a day since.
“As the pool continues to fall, ice shelves and extremely slippery shorelines exist. If an ice shelf formed, there is nothing supporting the ice underneath. Use extreme caution along the shoreline and do not go out onto the ice,” officials say.
Receding water levels can also cause shorelines to be slippery.
Ice on lakes and rivers is always questionable because the moving water weakens the ice, Army Corps officials say.
For current lake level information and forecasts, visit www.rivergages.com.