Avoid Going Out On Early Ice and Stay Safe; Get Ice Thickness Guidelines Here

Ice is forming on lakes across the Northland, which means people may be tempted to go out there even though it may not even be safe enough to support foot traffic.

The Minnesota DNR warns everyone to avoid that temptation and stay off the ice until at least 4 inches of new, clear ice is present.

To ensure you make good decisions all winter long, here are ice thickness guidelines to follow:

• 4 inches for ice fishing or other activities on foot.
• 5 inches for snowmobile or ATV.
• 8-12 inches for car or small pickup.
• 12-15 inches for medium truck.

Also, remember that ice thickness may vary greatly across a single body of water, making it crucial to check the ice conditions before heading out.

It's also a good idea to carry a safety kit with you, which should include:

• Rope
• Ice picks
• Ice chisel
• Tape measure