Wintertime in Michigan can be so beautiful.

When the temperature drops, many people love to head outside and enjoy fun activities such as ice fishing, hockey, and snowmobiling.

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Before you set foot on any ice in Michigan, it's important to know how thick it is for your safety.

Ice Thickness Guidelines

Here are some basic guidelines on how thick the ice should be to safely walk on it:

Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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  • Less than 4 inchesStay off the ice. Ice thinner than this cannot support any weight and poses a significant risk of breaking.
Ice Fishing
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  • 4 inches: This thickness is generally safe for walking, ice fishing, and skating. However, caution is advised; always check for cracks or weak spots.
Snowmobile on ice
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  • 5 to 7 inches: Safe for snowmobiles and ATVs. While you can walk on this thickness, avoid heavy equipment to prevent accidents.
Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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  • 8 to 12 inches: Suitable for cars and small trucks. At this level, the ice can support more weight, making it safer for light vehicles.
Credit: Canva
Credit: Canva
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  • 12 to 15 inches: This thickness is ideal for medium-sized trucks. It provides a robust surface that can handle heavier loads.
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I don't care if the ice was 2 feet thick there is no way I'd ever feel comfortable enough to take an ATV, Snowmobile or Truck onto the ice.

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