Resident warns of potential ice danger on Williston Reservoir

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — A resident is warning locals to be careful on the Williston Reservoir this coming weekend after an incident with his quad. 

The resident called Energeticcity.ca to warn people about the potential conditions after he said he put his quad through the ice on the Williston Reservoir. 

Williston Reservoir is a reservoir created by the W.A.C. Bennett Dam and is located near the towns of Hudson’s Hope and Mackenzie. 

At 1,773 square kilometres, it is the largest reservoir in British Columbia and is a popular location for both summer and winter activities, such as fishing, boating, and snowmobiling. 

BC Hydro warns residents who use the ice in the winter to exercise “extreme caution” as the ice on the reservoir can be very hazardous. BC Hydro warns of many dangers, including pressure ridges, gas holes, and broken shoreline ice. 

It is also noted that incidents such as temperature changes, or the ice-breaking barge in service in the winter, may cause areas of thin ice or open water. 

BC Hydro warns residents to stay well away from BC Hydro structures and to obey all posted signs.