This info comes from the MN DNR. It’s for clear ice. Grey ice would hold somewhat less (probably a lot less…)
Ice Depth (in.) / Max Weight (lbs)
4” 800
5”. 1,250
6” 1,800
7” 2,450
8” 3,200
9”. 4,050
10” 5,000
11” 6,050
12” 7,200
13” 8,450
14” 9,800
15” 11,250
16” 12,800
17” 14,450
18” 16,200
19” 18,050
20” 20,000
There are always those that are going to push the limits. I imagine that MN DNR is going to be conservative too, so the real numbers are probably somewhat higher…but…do you want to be the one to test that? Not me!!
To Jeff’s question - the ice on the Soldier Creek side was about 6” clear where we were at last week. I don’t know what this warm spell has done to it. It hasn’t been good for our lower elevation lakes though.
Ice Depth (in.) / Max Weight (lbs)
4” 800
5”. 1,250
6” 1,800
7” 2,450
8” 3,200
9”. 4,050
10” 5,000
11” 6,050
12” 7,200
13” 8,450
14” 9,800
15” 11,250
16” 12,800
17” 14,450
18” 16,200
19” 18,050
20” 20,000
There are always those that are going to push the limits. I imagine that MN DNR is going to be conservative too, so the real numbers are probably somewhat higher…but…do you want to be the one to test that? Not me!!
To Jeff’s question - the ice on the Soldier Creek side was about 6” clear where we were at last week. I don’t know what this warm spell has done to it. It hasn’t been good for our lower elevation lakes though.