The Indiana Dunes National Park is reminding the public of the dangers of shelf ice.
On their social media, Indiana Dunes National Park said the following:
“As winter takes hold of Lake Michigan, ice formations can envelope the beach. Waves may still pummel the shore, but once temperatures drop for long enough, the shoreline slowly crystalizes. The ice formations, often made by freezing, thawing, and re-freezing, leave a terrain with unreliable safety. Though the ice may feel or appear strong, inconsistencies riddle shelf ice and thin spots may be hidden from view.
“Do not risk your life! Stay on the beach and please keep off the shelf ice. As winter temperatures continually drop, shelf ice increasingly accumulates along the shoreline, and despite its unusual beauty, visitors need to be aware of its dangers. Especially because, for some, it’s hard to tell where the beach ends and the shelf ice begins. For your safety, please enjoy the shelf ice from a safe distance and do not attempt to walk on it.”