Ice thickness safety guide
How much new, clear ice you need for walking, ATVs, cars and trucks.
Agency guidance
5 in counts as 5 in of clear ice · safe for
Snowmobile or ATV
Guidance for new, clear ice only. Ice is never guaranteed safe: check thickness every 150 feet.
| New clear ice | Generally safe for |
|---|---|
| Under 4 in | Stay off |
| 4 in | Ice fishing or other activities on foot |
| 5–7 in | Snowmobile or ATV |
| 8–12 in | Small car or light pickup |
| 12–15 in | Medium truck |
How this tool works
Thresholds follow published state agency guidance for new, clear ice (Minnesota DNR). White or snow ice is roughly half as strong, so it counts half. Currents, springs, pressure ridges and warm weather weaken ice: local conditions always win, and no ice is guaranteed safe.
FAQ
How thick does ice need to be to walk on?
At least 4 inches of new, clear ice is the common agency guideline for walking and ice fishing. With less than that, stay off.