Footprints lead up to a frozen-over hole in the ice on Lake Flower. (Provided photo — Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department)

SARANAC LAKE — As Winter Carnival starts today, the village police department is reminding to stay off the ice in and around Lake Flower.

Lake Flower is actually part of the Saranac River, with a current running beneath, so its ice may not freeze at the same rate or evenness as standing water. Regardless of the temperature and appearance of the ice, underwater currents can cause thin spots to develop. This makes the frozen lake dangerous to walk on, and police urge caution.

The Saranac Lake Volunteer Fire Department also warned people not to walk on Lake Flower recently, after they investigated a hole in the ice with footprints leading to and from it from shore. They surmised that someone broke the ice while walking on it but managed to escape.