WEST GLACIER – Two cross-country skiers fell through the ice on Lake McDonald over the weekend and Glacier National Park officials are warning visitors to be safe on the park’s frozen lakes.
According to the National Park Service, the two skiers were going across the lake when they fell through the ice. Both people were able to get out on their own but lost most of their equipment.
Spokesperson Denise Germann said the park does not keep official records on annual ice levels on Lake McDonald, but she said the last time a majority of the water was frozen over was during the winter of 2007. However, officials said conditions can change quickly and even if the lake looks frozen, the ice may not be able to hold a person.
“We encourage visitors to use extreme caution near the ice on Lake McDonald,” Superintendent Jeff Mow said. “Lake McDonald is a beautiful lake with a spectacular vista in the winter, but please enjoy it safely.”