Ice thickness guidelines

[Lee Borgersen]

                     General ice thickness guidelines.


  more.....
http://www.dnr.state.mn.us/safety/ice/thickness.html

[guythathunts]

I've always disliked this chart. 8-12 inches for a small pickup. I drive a Dodge Dakota/a small pickup. Driving on 8 inches would be a death wish. However I'll drive every time on 12. Is seems like a large range and careless use of nondescriptive language. Yes I know "if you can't figure out that 8" isn't enough...." and I agree, but what about the person who is new to the sport or here for their first winter. If they went to the DNR website they would clearly read that 8" is enough for a small pickup. Sorry about the rant. This chart just always grinds my gears

[mathews4ever]

I agree completely. That chart is flat out dangerous. At the very least there should be some kind of a warning about natural differences in ice thickness form place to place on the lake(or god forbid they try to follow this on the river). That is why I dislike early ice. You can be standing on 5" of ice and 20ft away it can be razor thin. NO GOOD!!!

[walkingstick3]

where does a 3/4 ton chevy and 20' wheel house fit on this chart...but seriously whats the minimum people would recommend?  Just upgraded to the 3/4 ton this year and it hasn't seen ice yet.

[mathews4ever]

Most guys will say I am overly cautious with this, but I wouldn't drive a full size truck on anything less than 20"(24" is better). I know that less I would hold a truck that size, but I figure if I am measuring 20" most everywhere than if I cross a thinner spot it will probably still be 14-15" thick.