Ice Thickness Guidelines

Rough guideline for new, clear, solid ice only; many other factors can cause ice to be unsafe:

• 2" or less: stay off!
• 4" foot activities such as ice fishing
• 5" ATV or snowmobile
• 8"-12" car or small pickup
• 12"-15" medium truck

White ice, sometimes called "snow ice," is only about one-half as strong as new clear ice so the above thicknesses should be doubled.

Vehicles weighing about one ton such as cars, pickups or SUVs should be parked at least 50 feet apart and moved every two hours to prevent sinking. It’s not a bad idea to make a hole next to the car. If water starts to overflow the top of the hole, the ice is sinking and it’s time to move the vehicle!


Checking Ice Thickness
Whether you're fishing, snowmobiling, skating, or ice boating, it's a good idea to check ice conditions. Factors such as temperature, snow cover and currents affect ice safety. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water. It can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away due to currents, springs, rotting vegetation or school of rough fish. You need to check the ice at least every 150 feet, especially early in the season or any situation where the thickness varies widely.

Ice Chisel
An ice chisel, also known as a bud spur, is a great way to make a hole in the ice to check its thickness. Its a metal rod with a sharp flat blade that is stabbed into the ice. Depending on the sharpness of the blade, thickness of the ice, and strength of the user, it makes a hole fairly quick.


Ice Auger
There are several varieties of ice auger. Some people like the hand auger for its low cost, light weight and low noise factor. The disadvantage of a hand-powered auger is that after a few holes, operator exhaustion becomes an issue. Some folks like an electric auger, with its low noise level rivaling a hand auger, with the advantage of a lot less work for the user. An electric auger does, however, need an external 12-volt battery, which can be something of a nuisance to lug around. Gas augers boast the fastest speed in drilling through the ice, but are heavier, noisier.


Other Considerations:

• Many ice drownings involve children. When your child is near the ice, you should be near your child.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages when you’re on the ice. They can make you feel colder and slow down your reaction time in case of an ice emergency.
• Carry two large nails to use as ice picks to pull yourself out if you fall through thin ice.
• Never drive on the ice at night.
• Avoid pressure ridges, and areas with current if you do choose to drive on the ice.
• Drive with your windows down and doors partially open to avoid becoming trapped if your car breaks through.