Stephens Lake property is located on the corner of Broadway and Old 63, with the entrance to the property on Broadway. Before the City allows skating, there must be a minimum of four inches of solid ice before any public announcement is made. Ice depth is checked by drilling holes through the ice at several locations beginning from the shoreline and working toward the center. The ice is not checked on the weekends, holidays or evenings, so skaters should be aware that ice that was determined safe one day, may not be safe the next. Please refer to signs at the lake to find out when it is open for skating.
Many factors affect ice quality.
Ice is subject to variable freezing temperatures from above, and yet constantly thawing temperatures below due to water temperatures in the 40-degree Fahrenheit range. Wind whipped water, areas where there is any water movement due to either overland runoff or underground springs, and shaded or sunny areas, all lead to freezing and thawing conditions. Snow is another problem as snow cover acts as an insulator and ice may actually begin to melt despite freezing temperatures. Remember that even when Nickell Lake or Stephens Lake is determined safe for skating, never skate alone and do not gather in large groups on one spot. Do not skate after dark and please warn other skaters of dangerous conditions.