Thin ice on Big Lake causing concern

Unusually thin ice on parts of Big Lake are causing some concern with the MAT-SU Borough Emergency Services, especially in light of the upcoming Iron Dog snowmobile race that takes place this Sunday at South Port Marina on Big Lake. In a usual year, the ice on Big Lake averages four to five feet thick. But this year there is a definite drop off in thickness across the entire lake. Fire Chief, Bill Gamble said that a duty crew had been sent out for drilling tests in key areas noting that areas such as the ice roads or the parking area around South Port Marina, have about thirty inches of ice. The drop-off occurs in the areas off to the side where the heavier wet snow is.

Mat-Su Borough Emergency Manager, Casey Cook said they are preparing with the West Lakes Fire Service Area, Dive Team and Emergency Management in the event of an ice related issue at the race. “Emergency Management will have the Field Communications One Unit on scene acting as the Incident Command Post for the race start and will be monitoring any situations that could arise.”