Could be a snowy Plunge
Polar Bear Plungers rush out of Lake Coeur d'Alene on Jan. 1, 2024.
BILL BULEY/Press file
COEUR d'ALENE — It could be snowing when Polar Bear Plungers dive into Lake Coeur d'Alene on New Year's Day.
The National Weather Service is calling for about a 50% chance of snow Wednesday, with lows near 28 and highs near 33.
The water temperature of Lake Coeur d'Alene is in the low 40s, which is warm for this time of the year due to the mild conditions so far this season.
Hundreds of adults and kids are expected to line up at Sanders Beach at noon Jan. 1 for a dip — run in, dive under, run out screaming — into Lake Coeur d'Alene.
The Polar Bear Plunge started with a few friends in 1978 and now attracts about 500 people. Many wear costumes.
People generally begin arriving in the morning and stake their spot on the beach. A countdown lets you know when it's time to go.
It's free, and anyone is welcome.
Plunges are also tentatively slated for noon at Hauser Lake and Honeysuckle Beach at Hayden Lake.