For Release: 01/07/2014

'Thin Ice Conditions on Hydro Reservoirs' warns Upper Peninsula Power Company

Ishpeming, MI - The Upper Peninsula Power Company, UPPCO, is warning snowmobilers, cross country skiers, snow bikers, ice fisherman, hikers and all recreational enthusiasts to use extreme caution as thin ice conditions may exist on or near the Boney Falls Reservoir on the Escanaba River.

The hydro reservoir in the southern corner of Marquette County and Western Delta County is experiencing changing ice conditions due to changing water levels.

Changing reservoir water levels may cause areas of open water or "ice-bridging," a condition in which a lower water level leaves a gap under the ice. Increased water flows may deteriorate the ice from the underside and result in unstable and unsafe ice conditions. These areas may not be that visibly easy to identify, so UPPCO urges the public to be extremely careful while recreating on the reservoir or river upstream of the Boney Falls hydroelectric facility.

UPPCO's service area extends into 10 of the 15 counties in Michigan's Upper Peninsula or about 4,460 square miles and the utility provides electric service to nearly 52,000 customers.

For More Information, Contact:
  • Virgil E. Schlorke
    Manager Regional Generation
    Upper Peninsula Power Company
    906-485-2465
  • Media Hotline
    800-977-2250
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