An Arctic outflow warning remains in effect for the Tri-Cities, predicted to drop temperatures to around -20 C with wind chill today (Dec. 21).
While this may help in keeping Coquitlam waters frozen, there's a "severe safety risk" for skating or a game of shinny hockey.
As of this publication (Dec. 21), the city is asking local residents and park visitors to stay off lakes and ponds despite the current conditions.
This applies to pet owners, too, as the ice may not be thick enough for anyone to use and explore.
"Ice stability can be very deceptive, with conditions impacted by shade from trees, water turbidity and currents," said Coquitlam parks manager Kathleen Reinheimer in a statement on Tuesday (Dec. 20).
"By being on the ice, people put themselves, their pets, others and first responders at risk."
Crews have since posted signs at several locations, including the popular pond hockey destination of Como Lake, reminding skaters to stay off frozen lakes.
Reinheimer added Coquitlam "does not permit entering upon, walking, ice skating, cycling, driving or any other access upon a body of water that is frozen in any city park."
For walkers, she said interior pathways at most parks and trails may also not be cleared noting ice can form quickly and unexpectedly with the fluctuating temperatures.
Environment Canada's forecast is calling for 20 km/h winds today and tomorrow (Dec. 21–22) amid the cold air mass hovering over Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody.
The mercury is expected to drop as low as -25 C with the chill. The daily high is predicted to reach -10 C during the alert.
Coquitlam residents are encouraged to visit the winter wise page of the city's website for more information on minimizing the impact of snow and ice.
The city also recommending skaters to head indoors as the Poirier Sport and Leisure Complex remains open during the winter season.
Port Coquitlam is also asking its residents ot stay off local frozen lakes, ponds and tributaries.
There's currently a safety risk, officials stated, as ice is too thin to support anyone and anything on it.
For more information, you can visit PoCo's website.
