People urged not to skate on Donner Lake

Truckee police officers and firefighters are warning people to not skate on Donner Lake.

With conditions warming, the ice is generally unstable.

“Unlike the Eastern United States, we generally do not have the consistently cold temperatures to sustain ice on area lakes and ponds due to their size and water currents,” authorities warn.

Five years ago a skater fell through the ice and drowned in conditions similar to what they are now.

There is no law or ordinance prohibiting ice skating on Donner Lake.

Truckee rescue teams urge people who recreate on area lakes or ponds to consider wearing a life jacket, bring a rope, and a buddy.