Ice Safety: How Thick Is Safe, and What to Do If You Fall Through

Heading out on a frozen lake? There's no such thing as one hundred percent safe ice. Here's how thick it needs to be, and what to do if you fall through, from the Minnesota DNR.

1. Clear Ice Guidelines

For new, clear ice: under four inches, stay off. Four inches, okay on foot. Five to seven inches, a snowmobile or small ATV. And nine to ten inches for a small car or SUV.

2. White Ice = Half As Strong

White, snowy looking ice is only about half as strong. So double those numbers.

3. Check Often

Ice can be two feet thick in one spot, and one inch thick a few yards away. Check the thickness often as you go.

4. Danger Spots

Be careful over moving water, near streams, bridges, and culverts, and near shore, where ice can be weaker.

5. If You Fall In

Try not to panic, and keep your winter clothes on. Turn back toward the way you came. That's usually the strongest ice. Put your arms on the solid ice, kick your feet, and dig in with ice picks to pull yourself out.