Public Safety Advisory: Current Ice Conditions on the Gallinas River
- asalas843
- 18 hours ago
- 1 min read
Cold winter weather has caused ice to form on portions of the Gallinas River. While the surface may appear solid, current conditions make it unsafe to walk, stand, skate, or recreate on the ice anywhere along the river.
We are seeing an increase in people accessing areas that appear frozen, particularly near Montezuma Pond. Although this location was historically used as a skating pond, it is no longer approved or permitted for that activity. Warmer winter temperatures and changing river conditions prevent the ice from forming thick or stable enough to safely support weight.
Ice over a river is especially dangerous because water is constantly moving beneath the surface. River currents weaken the ice from below, creating uneven thickness and hidden thin spots. Even when the ice looks solid, water may be flowing just beneath it, causing the ice to break without warning.
Falling through river ice can lead to cold shock, rapid loss of strength, and strong currents that make self-rescue extremely difficult. These incidents also place public safety personnel at risk by requiring dangerous rescue operations. Warning signs have been posted throughout the area advising against walking on the ice. Please follow all posted signage and report anyone you observe on the ice anywhere along the river. Citations will be issued for violations.
Your safety is our priority. Please stay off the ice and help prevent accidents or tragedies by sharing this information with others.