When is Ice Safe?

According to the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources website, there is really no sure answer whether ice is safe or not.  The strength is based on several factors:

• Thickness
• Temperature
• Water Chemistry
• Depth of Water
• Size of Water Body
• Water Chemistry
• Currents
• Climatic Conditions
• Age

If you plan on enjoying some of your favoriate ice recreation follow these important steps for safety. 

1. Recognize that there is no such thing as safe ice.  Always take precautions.
2. Create an emergency saftey plan.
1. Adequately dress for cold weather, wear some form of flotation decive, carry an ice pick, and never go out on the ice alone.
2. Have a spare set of clothes and other emergency supplies like blankets, and hand/foot warmers.
3. Recognize that determining the safety of ice is dependant on all of the above listed factors and don't rely on on one factor alone.
4. Stick to using areas that is checked and designated safe by authories on a regular basis.
5. Ask locals.
6. Observe the ice is there flowing water near the edges, cracks or breaks?  Remember this little ditty: "thick and blue, tried and true; thin and wispy, way too risky."
7. Know you ice color meaning
1. Light gray to dark black - melting ice.  NOT SAFE - STAY OFF!
2. White to Opaque - water saturated snow freezes on top forming another layer of ice.  Often weak due to porous air pockets.
3. Blue to Clear - High density, very strong, and often the safest if it is thick enough.  Stay off if less than 4" thick.
4. Mottled and slushy - the ice is thawing and slushy.  NOT SAFE - STAY OFF!
8. Test the thickness with at least one other person; general thickness rules. 
1. 3" - KEEP OFF!
2. 4" - suitable for ice fishing, cross-country skiing, skating, and walking.
3. 5" - suitable for a single snowmobile or atv.
4. 8" - 12" - suitable for one car or a group of people.
5. 12" - 15" - suitable for a light pick up or truck.
9. Understand that ice is not the same everywhere.
10. Find alternatives or don't venture out if there is any doubt.

Learn more about traveling on ice, creating a survival plan, using ice picks for self rescue, vehicle escape, and helping someone else on the DNR website.