SOUTHWICK – The Southwick Police Department made a post on their Facebook Page, in regards to the dangers of open water on Congamond Lake during the winter. On Jan. 13, Southwick Police released the statement on their page:
“Due to the abnormally high temperatures the last few days and nights, and warmer than normal temps being forecast for next week, the ice on all three ponds is extremely thin.”
DPW engineer and Chairman of the Lake Management Committee for the town of Southwick, Dick Grannells believes that Middle Pond is looking the worst.
“Middle Pond has a lot of open water,” said Grannells.
Grannells explained how parts of the ice on Congamond Lake can be vulnerable to open water when warmer temperatures arrive. He said that there are two culverts on the lake that go from North Pond to Middle Pond, and then from Middle to South Pond, and the springs that come into the lake causing the warmer water to spread throughout the lake.
Middle Pond, on Congamond Lake, has open ice due to the recently warmer temperatures. (Photo by Greg Fitzpatrick)
According to Grannells, the ice on North Pond is a little safer right now, due to the fact that there is more protection from the sun on that specific area of the lake.
However, going on the ice on Middle Pond could be far more dangerous with the warmer temperatures as that particular area is much more exposed to sunlight.
“Once the sun beats on it (ice), you get mush ice,” said Grannells.
Although Southwick Police doesn’t encourage or discourage anyone from going the ice, they do encourage anyone that plans on going on the ice, to use good judgement.
“It’s always good common sense to know your safety rules,” said Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi.
Regulars on the ice on Congamond Lake should stay up to date with the local weather, as temperatures are expected to be at 40 degrees and higher for the next week to 10 days.
