Ice - Safe Loads vs. Thickness
Safe loads vs. thickness for clear and solid ice.
Safe loads for clear solid ice are indicated below:
| Thickness of Ice | Load or Activity | |
|---|---|---|
| in | cm | |
| < 1 3/4 | < 4.5 | STAY OFF |
| 1 3/4 | 4.5 | One person cross county skiing |
| 2 | 5 | One person on foot or skates |
| 4 | 7.5 | Snowmobile or smaller ATV, groups of people walking in a single line |
| 7 | 17.5 | A small car |
| 8 | 20 | A 2 1/2 tons truck |
| 9 | 22.5 | A 3 1/2 tons truck |
| 10 | 25 | A 7 - 8 tons truck |
Note that ice strength is influenced by many factors
- age - newer black ice is stronger than old milky
- distance to shore - ice close to shore is weaker than ice farther out
- river outlets and inlets - ice close to outlets and inlets is weaker
- obstructions like rocks, trees and plants
- water currents
- cover of snow
This information must only be used as a general guide - KEEP OFF the ice if you are not absolutely sure.
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