WINTER SPORTS ENTHUSIASTS ADVISED TO USE EXTRA CAUTION BEFORE VENTURING ONTO THE ICE AT PORTAGE LAKES

AKRON, OH -- Snowmobilers, skaters and anglers who might be tempted onto the Portage Lakes ice this winter are advised by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to exercise particular caution. An unseasonable flow of water through the Portage Lakes, the result of high lake levels due to recent rainfalls and subsequent freezing, may cause air pockets between the water level and ice.

"Winter sports enthusiasts should always be extremely cautious before venturing out on ice-covered water. Even through extended periods of sub-freezing weather, safe ice thickness cannot be taken for granted," said ODNR's Ron Gray. As superintendent of the ODNR Division of Water's hydraulic and canal operations office in Akron, Gray manages water levels in the state-owned Portage Lakes chain and the Ohio & Erie Canal.

"Portage Lakes ice may be particularly unpredictable this winter, because of increased water currents under the ice," he cautioned. "Ice may be weaker or could break up sooner than might otherwise be expected. Some areas of water that would normally be ice-covered this time of year may remain open."

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For Further Information Contact:
Ron Gray, ODNR Division of Water
(330) 643-1370
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860