TRUCKEE, Calif. (KRNV & MyNews4.com) -- Truckee Police are warning people skating on Donner Lake that the conditions are unsafe.
Police say the cold temperatures generally do not sustain ice on area lakes and ponds due to their size and water currents. The conditions present today on Donner Lake are similar to conditions five years ago when a skater fell through the ice and drowned
There is no law or ordnance prohibiting ice-skating on a body of water. This is simply a matter of an individual choice and risk.
Police say the strength of the ice cannot be determined solely by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature, etc. Ice strength is based on a combination of all these factors, with the addition of other variables such as water depth, water body size, water chemistry, currents, local climate, and the actual load per square inch on the ice.
Police say if you decide to recreate on the area lakes or ponds, consider wearing a life jacket, bringing a rope, and always bring along a buddy.
