Jackson Lake, partially frozen from cold weather, has been ordered closed by Angeles National Forest officials, from Jan. 1 to March 31, to protect visitors during the winter.

The decision followed a Dec. 25 incident in which visitors fell through ice on the lake, including several who were trying to rescue others. All eventually made it out of the lake safely.

Crowds of people are expected in the Wrightwood area this season. Forest Service officials are emphasizing public safety as a high priority to protect people from risks in a cold-weather environment.

For more information on the status of specific recreation sites within the Angeles, please contact the corresponding District Office listed below or visit the Forest website by searching the web for Angeles National Forest.

Los Angeles River Ranger District                 (818) 899-1900

San Gabriel River Ranger District                  (626) 335-1251

Santa Clara-Mojave Rivers Ranger District    (661) 269-2808