Post by Decatur on Jan 12, 2007 11:47:50 GMT -5
Is the ice thick enough?
At what thickness is ice considered safe is a common debate amongst outdoorsmen.
General rules of thumb:
Two inches of solid ice is permissible for one person on foot, three inches for a group in single file;
A snowmobile is safe on three inches;
A single passenger automobile seven inches;
A 2-1/2 ton truck eight inches;
A 3-1/2 ton truck nine inches;
A 7-8 ton truck ten inches.
Other factors to consider
Ice structure, and outdoor temperature. For example, an ice sheet forms on water, but if the water level drops after the initial ice sheet forms, it may be left unsupported near the shore. This occurrence is detectable by hearing a hollow sound when probing with an ice chisel. This is [glow=red,2,300]NOT[/glow] a safe area to fish.
It is also important to note that when the temperature stays above freezing greater than 24 hours, ice begins to lose strength. At that point, the rules of thumb given above will no longer represent safe conditions.
Distinguish between ice and snow. Snow on top of ice may obscure the actual thickness of the ice.
As stated in previous articles, if you have a gut feeling or concern that the ice might be too thin, [glow=red,2,300]STAY OFF THE ICE[/glow]. Your desire to ice fish is not worth the risk of ice fishing on possibly dangerous ice. Use common sense and good judgment. Good luck ice fishing!
At what thickness is ice considered safe is a common debate amongst outdoorsmen.
General rules of thumb:
Two inches of solid ice is permissible for one person on foot, three inches for a group in single file;
A snowmobile is safe on three inches;
A single passenger automobile seven inches;
A 2-1/2 ton truck eight inches;
A 3-1/2 ton truck nine inches;
A 7-8 ton truck ten inches.
Other factors to consider
Ice structure, and outdoor temperature. For example, an ice sheet forms on water, but if the water level drops after the initial ice sheet forms, it may be left unsupported near the shore. This occurrence is detectable by hearing a hollow sound when probing with an ice chisel. This is [glow=red,2,300]NOT[/glow] a safe area to fish.
It is also important to note that when the temperature stays above freezing greater than 24 hours, ice begins to lose strength. At that point, the rules of thumb given above will no longer represent safe conditions.
Distinguish between ice and snow. Snow on top of ice may obscure the actual thickness of the ice.
As stated in previous articles, if you have a gut feeling or concern that the ice might be too thin, [glow=red,2,300]STAY OFF THE ICE[/glow]. Your desire to ice fish is not worth the risk of ice fishing on possibly dangerous ice. Use common sense and good judgment. Good luck ice fishing!
