For New Clear Hard Ice No ice is without some risk.  Be sure to measure clear hard ice in several places.

Thickness Will Hold 3” (7cm) or less STAY OFF

 4” (10cm) Average full-grown person

 5” (12cm) Snowmobile / ATV

8-12” (20-30 cm) One vehicle - car or small pick-up

12-15” (30-38 cm) One vehicle - medium truck

NO ICE IS WITHOUT SOME RISK… MINIMIZE YOUR RISK

It is critical that the ice quality or type of ice is evaluated before you travel. Clear hard new ice is the only kind of ice recommended for travel.

AVOID...

- Slushy ice

 - Ice on or near moving water, e.g., rivers, currents.

 - Ice that has thawed and refrozen.

 - Layered or rotten ice caused by sudden temperature changes.

 Other risk factors that weaken or “rot” ice:

- Snow on ice that acts as a blanket to prevent hardening of ice

- Pressure ridges due to wind or current pressure.