How to tell if ice is "thick enough"?

[ChrisTheFish]

I like to use an axe and hack the ice as I go. I have also used a pickaxe. Usually if it can withstand a good solid and straight blow I feel comfortable stepping a bit farther. You also have to take into consideration your personal weight and the weight of your gear. Clear ice is much stronger than clouded or slushy ice, but this is hard to tell when there is snow and slush on top. You have to drill a hole to see the ice quality in those cases.

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