Colorado's frozen tradition delayed: lake plunge rescheduled after mild winter

Evergreen Lake's annual plunge, a beloved ritual marking the start of the new year, was pushed to Sunday after an unseasonably warm winter significantly reduced ice formation. Around 100 hardy jumpers still braved the chilly waters on March 1st, a far cry from the usual New Year's Day event.

Delayed dip: warm weather impacts iconic colorado event

The Evergreen Lake Plunge, a tradition dating back decades, typically takes place on New Year's Day, with participants leaping from a hole cut in the lake's ice – a hole that usually measures ten inches or more. This year, however, the mild temperatures resulted in only a fraction of the necessary ice, delaying the event until the first weekend of March. The skating season on Evergreen Lake, normally opening around December 15th, barely opened before warm weather forced its closure after just two weeks – the shortest season on record.

Organizers from the Active 4 All Evergreen Foundation, which hosts the event as a fundraiser for programs at the Evergreen Park and Recreation District, hoped to return to the traditional New Year's date next year. The plunge benefits the INSPIRE special-needs program, providing recreational opportunities for children with disabilities.

“We hope to be back on New Year’s next year, but this was still a lot of laughs,” said Alan Gionet, the longtime emcee for the event and a familiar voice to many in the community. While the water was noticeably warmer than usual, participants bundled up and embraced the opportunity to participate in the time-honored tradition. Evergreen Fire Rescue stood ready, as always, to assist anyone who might need help.

The event, while scaled back, underscored the resilience of a community determined to maintain a cherished custom, even when confronted with the whims of a changing climate. The water may have been a little warmer, but the spirit remained undimmed.