4 inches minimum for walking on foot. 5-7 inches for snowmobiles. 8-12 inches for ATVs. Never drive a truck on ice under 12 inches
Check ice thickness frequently — drill test holes every 150 feet when exploring new areas
Ice is never 100% safe. Currents, springs, and pressure ridges create thin spots even when surrounding ice is thick
Carry ice picks around your neck — in a breakthrough they are the only way to pull yourself out
Wear a float suit or ice rescue suit — they provide both warmth and buoyancy
Distribute your weight — lie flat when crossing uncertain ice, spread a group out in a line
Avoid black ice (clear ice) in pressure areas — it is often weaker than white ice
Keep vehicle doors unlocked and windows open when driving on ice so you can escape quickly
Go with someone who knows the body of water — local knowledge about springs and current areas is invaluable
Tell someone your exact location and expected return time before going out
🚨 Emergency Protocol
If you break through: stay calm, do not struggle. Use ice picks to dig into the ice edge and kick your feet to swim horizontally onto the ice. Do not stand — roll away from the hole. Get warm immediately. Hypothermia sets in fast.