The Washington County sheriff’s office recently alerted ice anglers and others on the lower river of dangerous ice conditions. Because of the recent cold snap, the Allen S. King Plant is operating again, and it can create thin ice near the warm water discharge.

While the open water and thin ice is dangerous, it can also create risks when the plant ceases operations again as weather warms. As the river freezes back over, there will be large areas of thin ice that may be difficult to see.

Safety tips:

• Check ice thickness with an auger, ice chisel, or drill and measure with a tape.
• Wear a flotation suit or foam life jacket. Always carry ice picks, pulling yourself out of freezing water without them is extremely difficult.
• Remember: Air temperature, wind, currents, and snow all affect ice strength.