There are alarming reports of dangerous ice conditions in the high mountains of Norway, prompting warnings against traveling on ice-covered lakes before the winter break.
Norwegian authorities, particularly Sira-Kvina and Statkraft, are issuing strong warnings about the hazardous ice conditions on regulated lakes ahead of the winter holidays. A rare combination of extremely low snowfall, low water levels, and strong winds has resulted in large areas either having open water or very poor ice quality, even at elevations of 1,000 meters. This situation poses a considerable threat to people venturing onto these typically safe areas.
The risks have been amplified by recent accidents where individuals have fallen through the ice in these regions. Notably, areas that are usually regarded as secure have become life-threatening. The conditions surrounding Blåsjø and Skreivatnet are so adverse that standard winter trails cannot be marked, which further complicates the safety situation for winter sports enthusiasts and hikers. Bjørn Sandvik, the plant manager at Ulla-Førre in Statkraft, describes the situation as completely unique and unpredictable.
People are urged to check ice maps provided by the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) and to adhere to marked routes available on Ut.no. The warning remains in effect until the end of February, with a reassessment scheduled for March, highlighting the need for constant vigilance and precaution during this atypical winter.
