12-10-2009, 11:36 AM
I finally bought me a snowmobile this yr.. [
] What do you call safe ice ??
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] What do you call safe ice ??[signature]
12-10-2009, 03:10 PM
Less than 4 inches – STAY OFF! There is no reason to test the newly formed ice at this time.
4-6 Inches – Ice fishing, foot travel in single-file lines, and small spaced seating on the ice should be safe, presuming the ice is clear and clean.
6-10 Inches – Snowmobiles and ATV’s can travel safely on good ice that is over inches thick.
10-16 Inches – Small cars and pick-ups can begin to venture on to the ice. However, the DNR states that it is best to avoid driving on the ice whenever possible.
16+ Inches – A medium-sized car or mid-size pickup can drive on good clear solid ice.
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4-6 Inches – Ice fishing, foot travel in single-file lines, and small spaced seating on the ice should be safe, presuming the ice is clear and clean.
6-10 Inches – Snowmobiles and ATV’s can travel safely on good ice that is over inches thick.
10-16 Inches – Small cars and pick-ups can begin to venture on to the ice. However, the DNR states that it is best to avoid driving on the ice whenever possible.
16+ Inches – A medium-sized car or mid-size pickup can drive on good clear solid ice.
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12-10-2009, 03:17 PM
5" is usually pretty save for a snowmobile. I've seen guys take their full-size trucks on 6" ice in Minnesota without any problems.
Be careful though because you move faster than your eyes can see and you can never "see" how thick the ice is. A lot of lakes and reservoirs have underwater springs and the ice can go from 24 inches to skim in a hurry. Every year several really nice vehicles going through the ice. Following existing tracks is usually a safe practice.
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Be careful though because you move faster than your eyes can see and you can never "see" how thick the ice is. A lot of lakes and reservoirs have underwater springs and the ice can go from 24 inches to skim in a hurry. Every year several really nice vehicles going through the ice. Following existing tracks is usually a safe practice.
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12-10-2009, 03:36 PM
I try to only fish on 2.5-4 inches of ice. After that all the crowds come out on the "safe ice" and ruin all the fun and good fishing. 2.5 inches of good ice in freezing weather is more than enough to hold the weight of an average man. Anything over 3 inches is more than enough for foot travel. I try to wait for 4 inches to bring all my equipment on the ice and would wait until 6-7 inches for snowmobiles.
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12-10-2009, 03:40 PM
I'll also add that on slimmer ice such as 3-4 inches, as a sled or wheeler travels over the ice it can create a pressure wave beneath the ice which can/will cause the ice to fracture badly, often in front of the machine.. Nasty news to follow..
Advice.. If you plan to take your machine on slimmer ice ,, travel slowly. The faster you travel the greater/bigger the pressure wave beneath the ice..
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Advice.. If you plan to take your machine on slimmer ice ,, travel slowly. The faster you travel the greater/bigger the pressure wave beneath the ice..
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12-10-2009, 06:31 PM
When I am on a sled and on really thin ice I just haul a$$ and figure I will skim if there is ever a problem. I know if you are going 60 mph+ on a powder sled you should be OK on no inches as long as it isn't for really long distances.
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12-11-2009, 04:26 PM
I gotta back up what tightline sez. On questionable ice speed is your best friend but you damn well better be headed for the shore!
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12-11-2009, 04:31 PM
Oh, don't slow down 'till ya get there. The shore I mean. Then ponder what the he-- got you out there in the first place.
Coldfooter, you're excepted from my posts. I've fished with ya. I aint got all my chairs up to the table either.
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Coldfooter, you're excepted from my posts. I've fished with ya. I aint got all my chairs up to the table either.
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