5 Tips for Traveling Safely on Ice
By OutdoorAly

Posted: December 22, 2013

2 Inches

If there are 2 inches or less, stay off the ice.

4 inches

4 inches

Four inches of ice is safe for ice fishing or other on-foot activities.

5 inches

5 inches

Five inches of ice is safe for snowmobile or ATV travel.

8 inches

8 inches

Eight to twelve inches of ice is safe for small vehicles to travel.

12 inches

12 inches

Twelve to fifteen inches is safe for travel by a medium vehicle. Park vehicles 50 feet apart and move them every two hours to prevent sinking. 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.

**White ice or “snow ice” is only about half as strong as new clear ice. Double the above thickness guideline when traveling on white ice.**

photos: Rapid City Journal

New Podcast!

Riley's Meats - Butte Wild Game Processing