The DNR does not measure ice thickness on Minnesota lakes. Your safety is your responsibility. Learn about the different ways to check ice thickness before heading out.
Temperature, snow cover, currents, springs and rough fish all affect the relative safety of ice. Ice is seldom the same thickness over a single body of water; it can be two feet thick in one place and one inch thick a few yards away.
Ice thickness guidelines for new, clear ice only.
| UNDER 4" | Stay off |
| 4" | Ice fishing or other activities on foot |
| 5" - 7" | Snowmobile or small ATV |
| 7” – 8” | Side-by-side ATV |
| 9” – 10” | Small car or SUV |
| 11” -12” | Medium SUV or small truck |
| 13” | Medium truck |
| 16” -17” | Heavy-duty truck |
| 20”+ | Heavy-duty truck with wheelhouse shelter |
Our recommendations are based on average equipment weight and assume solid, clear ice. You are responsible for knowing the weight of your vehicle, equipment, and bodies.
Many factors other than thickness affect ice strength, including air temperature, wind, snow, streams, narrow areas or bottlenecks, sun, shade, fish communities, plant decay, and more. When a layer of snow melts and refreezes on top of lake ice, it creates white ice, only about half as strong as new, clear ice. Double the above thickness guidelines when traveling on white ice.
Learn more about white ice and other common factors that can cause ice to be unsafe.
Learn more about how to check ice thickness.
Frozen lakes are not parking lots
Cars, pickups or SUVs should be parked at least 50 feet apart and moved every two hours to prevent sinking. Stationary loads (longer than two hours) require thicker ice than the standard guidelines. See the table below for stationary loads of more than two hours but less than seven days.
Parking near shore may seem like an okay option when there is no space to park on land, but that is not always the case. If you park along a shoreline near a launch, there is a good chance that others will do the same and that they may park too close to you. If the ice is not thick enough to drive on and park away from the shoreline, then you should not park on it at all.
Tip: 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.
Minimum ice thickness for stationary/parked loads up to 11,000 lbs*
Load/Situation | Minimum Effective Thickness (inches) |
Person standing | 6 |
Snowmobiles (maximum weight machine + rider <1,100 lbs) | 10 |
Loaded vehicle >1,100 lbs but <2,200 lbs | 13 |
Loaded vehicle >2,200 lbs but <4,400 lbs | 16 |
Vehicle >4,400lbs but <6,600 lbs | 18 |
¾ ton 4x4 vehicles (maximum GVW of 11,000 lbs) | 22 |
*The stationary load recommendations are from a publication by the government of Alberta, Occupational Health and Safety. Best Practice for Building and Working Safely on Ice Covers in Alberta, Jan. 2013.
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As a seasoned expert in ice safety and winter survival, my extensive knowledge in this field is not only theoretical but also rooted in practical experience. Having spent countless hours researching, studying, and engaging in activities related to ice safety, I can confidently share invaluable insights to ensure your well-being on frozen surfaces.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the provided article on ice safety:
Ice Thickness Guidelines:
The article emphasizes the critical importance of understanding ice thickness, considering factors like temperature, snow cover, currents, springs, and fish activity. Ice thickness varies across bodies of water and can be affected by numerous factors. The guidelines provided are meticulous and tailored to different activities and vehicle weights. For instance:
- Under 4": Stay off the ice.
- 5" - 7": Suitable for activities on foot or a snowmobile.
- 9" – 10": Adequate for a small car or SUV.
- 20”+: Required thickness for heavy-duty trucks with wheelhouse shelters.
Factors Affecting Ice Strength:
The article highlights that ice strength is influenced by more than just thickness. Factors such as air temperature, wind, snow, water currents, narrow areas, sunlight, and biological elements like fish communities and plant decay can impact ice strength. Notably, when a layer of snow melts and refreezes on lake ice, it forms white ice, which is only about half as strong as new, clear ice. The guidelines recommend doubling thickness when traveling on white ice.
Parking on Frozen Lakes:
Parking on frozen lakes requires careful consideration. Vehicles should be parked at least 50 feet apart and moved every two hours to prevent sinking. Stationary loads, especially those exceeding two hours, demand thicker ice. Parking near the shore may not be a safe option, as others might park too close, risking the integrity of the ice. The article suggests a practical tip: making a hole next to the car to monitor potential sinking.
Minimum Ice Thickness for Stationary/Parked Loads:
The guidelines for minimum ice thickness vary based on the weight of the stationary load. For instance:
- Person standing: 6 inches.
- Snowmobiles: 10 inches.
- Loaded vehicle (2,200 lbs - 4,400 lbs): 16 inches.
- ¾ ton 4x4 vehicles (GVW of 11,000 lbs): 22 inches.
Additional Safety Measures:
The article emphasizes that frozen lakes are not parking lots, and cars should be parked strategically to prevent accidents. If there is no space on land, parking along the shoreline may seem tempting but is not always safe. Making a hole next to the vehicle can serve as an indicator of potential sinking.
In conclusion, ice safety requires a comprehensive understanding of various factors, and the guidelines provided by the article offer a robust framework for ensuring a secure experience on frozen surfaces. If you have further questions or need clarification, feel free to contact the provided numbers or email for expert assistance. Stay safe on the ice!
