With sustained colder weather comes ideal ice conditions for winter recreation enthusiasts, however, whether you're ice fishing, skating or quadding, it's important to be cautious and alert for danger.
South Pigeon Lake fire chief Wayne Benson advises recreational users to keep an eye out for three hazards when enjoying Pigeon Lake this winter: thinner ice areas by the inlet, Ma-Me-O Beach and ice heaves.
In the northwest corner of the lake by the inlet where there's flowing water and along the beach, due to the heat generated by the bulrushes, the ice is thinner, Benson said.
Ice heaves - sheets of ice that push together or against the shoreline - are also starting to form, which pose a hazard.
"You don't want to cross ice heaves," said Benson.
"Other than that (the lake) is fairly stable."
While there isn't any official monitoring of the ice thickness at the lake, Benson said he's heard from several fishermen that the ice is currently 12 to 13 inches deep.
While the ice isn't safe enough for vehicles yet, he says he's seen several fishermen out in their ice shacks, and lots of quads and side-by-sides out on the lake.
Those hankering to dip in a line can take advantage of the milder weather as long as they consider the usual cautions.
Warmer weather isn't really a hazard as long as it isn't for prolonged periods, Benson explained.
"They've just got to be careful."
The general rule?
"Don't go where no one else has because there's probably a reason for it."
There have been no calls for ice rescues this season and only one last year, according to Benson.
In that incident, the back end of the vehicle went into the water and the department had to rescue it.
"Everybody's been pretty good and paying attention ... most people are pretty vigilant."
The Pigeon Lake Watershed Alliance provides additional tips on their website.
"If you're planning to drive onto the lake, consult the Ice thickness guidelines from Alberta Conservation Association.
"Ask a local angler if you’re not sure about the thickness of the ice, and don’t drive over ice that has heaved as it is weaker. Heaves and deep snow can also get your vehicle stuck."
Pigeon Lake is jointly covered by the South Pigeon Lake and Mulhurst Bay fire departments. Mulhurst Bay also covers Wizard Lake, though fire chief Wayne MacDonald says calls for service there are rare.
Located 17 kilometres south of Calmar, the small lake is covered by the Mulhurst Bay and Calmar fire departments.
Current ice conditions on Wizard Lake are unknown.
According to Benson, who was previously a fire chief for Mulhurst Bay, the danger on Wizard Lake is the methane that bubbles up, creating thin spots.
"Methane bubbles are the scary part of Wizard Lake," said Benson.
