How safe is the ice? There really is no sure answer. You can’t judge the strength of ice just by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or whether or not the ice is covered with snow. Strength is based on all these factors, plus the depth of water under the ice, size of the water body, water chemistry and currents, the distribution of the load on the ice, and local climatic conditions.

If you must travel on the ice, here are some guidelines about recommended ice thickness.

• 4″ is safe to go just about anywhere for anyone on foot.
• 5″ minimum (6″ recommended) will support most snowmobiles and 4-wheelers.
• 8 to 12″ of ice will support a mid-sized passenger car or small pickup truck.
• 12 to 15″ are needed for the typical full-sized 4-wheel drive pickup.

Remember that ice conditions can vary widely on any lake due to snow-cover, water current or other variables. Don’t venture onto any ice unless you are certain of its thickness.

The DNR offers the following tips for ice travelers:

• Clear, solid ice at least 2″ thick is usually sufficient to hold a single person walking on foot. For safety’s sake, wait until the ice is at least 3″ thick and go with a friend, but stay at least 50′ apart. Ice fishing with several friends requires at least 4″ of ice, and snowmobiles and all-terrain vehicles need at least 5″.
• Ice will generally be thicker near shore and gets thinner as one ventures out. Check ice thickness with an ice spur or auger, starting from a few feet from shore and every 10 to 20′ as one goes toward the middle of the waterway.
• Lake ice is generally stronger than river ice. Springs, lake inlets and outlets and channels can alter ice thickness.
• Before heading out onto early or newly formed ice, check with a local bait shop, resort owner or outdoors store regarding ice thickness or known thin spots.
• Whether alone or with a friend on early ice, always carry a couple of large sharpened nails and a length of rope in an easily accessible pocket. The nails or commercial ice grabbers can help a person pull themselves out of the water and on to more solid ice. The rope can be thrown to another person for rescue.
• Proper clothing can increase chances of survival should a person break through the ice. A snowmobile suit — if it is zipped — can trap air and slow the body’s heat loss. Once filled with water, however, insulated suits become very heavy and will hinder rescue. Newer model snowmobile suits have flotation material built in. Anyone walking or riding on ice should consider purchasing one of these suits. On early ice, it is advised to wear a personal flotation device.

When in doubt, do not venture onto the ice.

Creative Commons Danger Thin Ice” by psd is licensed under CC BY 2.0