COUNTY News:

Los Alamos County Parks Division reminds the public that although the ducks and pigeons are happy to walk on the ice at Ashley Pond, it is not safe for humans.

It’s a combination of evolutionary features that allows ducks to waddle with ease on frozen ponds. However, ice is not considered safe for humans to walk on until it is at least four to five inches thick. At four inches, the ice can hold up to 200 pounds. At five, ice can hold up to 800 pounds.

Ashley Pond, with its fountain and circulation systems, is unlikely to reach five inches, especially when the temperatures climb into the 40s during the day.

Walking on thin ice is no walk in the park:

• Cold Reality – Falling through icy waters can lead to hypothermia, a serious drop in body temperature. It’s a chilling situation!
• Crackdown on Safety – Thin ice can crack unexpectedly. One step too far, and you might find yourself taking an icy plunge.
• Not All It’s Cracked Up to Be – Judging ice thickness is tricky. What looks solid may not be. Don’t trust appearances.
• The Pond is not for People – It is not permitted for people to walk on the pond, due to the risk of falling through the ice and getting injured.
• Stay safe and sound – don’t risk a chilly plunge.