Recent warm temperatures have been good for the spirit of residents coping with a long and unseasonably cold winter this year, but the sun and above-zero temps have put a bit of a damper on some outdoor activities also meant to lift the spirits.
Ice surfaces on the lakeshore skating trail that runs from the boat launch at the David Thompson statue to McArthur Place have been affected by the recent warm thaw. The same goes for the skating oval, ice fishing area and shinny hockey rink at the Alexander Hamilton Trout Pond.
Lac La Biche County officials have cautioned the public over the last few days about poor ice conditions in both areas, and the challenges they are facing when it comes to maintaining a skating surface.
Due to warming weather conditions we are experiencing flooding on the ice skating surfaces of Lac La Biche Lake and at the outdoor rink at Alexander Hamilton Park. We appreciate everyone’s interest in both facilities and will provide an update when conditions to return to normal.
— Lac La Biche County (@LacLaBicheCo) January 26, 2022
Those cautions, however, are expected to be removed in the next few days as more winter weather and colder temperatures return to the region.
Weather forecasts for the community going into the new week call for a significant temperature drop. After a daytime high of zero on Sunday, the week takes a chilly turn with Monday and Tuesday daytime highs forecast in the mid minus teens and nighttime lows to be approaching the minus 30 mark. By the end of the week, daytime highs are expected to be in the low negative single digits.
The creation of the skating path on Lac La Biche lake and the Trout Pond on-ice skating surfaces have been hampered this winter season due to big swings in weather. Prior to the new year, dangerously cold temperatures kept equipment and manpower off the ice. Strong gusting winds also affected the clearing of both ice surfaces. The warmer temperatures over the last week has caused over-flow water conditions.
Although the skating path hadn't been maintained fully, some families did venture out on Saturday afternoon for some ice-level activity.
