
Winter Safety 101: How Thick Should Ice Be To Avoid Danger?
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.
👇 The 10 Most Dangerous Michigan Winter Roads 👇
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
- Less than 4 inches: Stay off the ice. Ice thinner than this cannot support any weight and poses a significant risk of breaking.
Ice Fishing
- 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
- 5 to 7 inches: Safe for snowmobiles and ATVs. While you can walk on this thickness, avoid heavy equipment to prevent accidents.
Credit: Canva
- 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
- 12 to 15 inches: This thickness is ideal for medium-sized trucks. It provides a robust surface that can handle heavier loads.

Get our free mobile app
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.
The 10 Most Dangerous Michigan Winter Roads
These are the 10 worst stretches of road during harsh Michigan winters.
Gallery Credit: George McIntyre
6 Weird Laws Still on the Books in Michigan
Even though a lot of these laws are very old and not really enforced, they still exist. Check out some of the weirdest laws still on the books in Michigan.
Gallery Credit: Kristen Matthews
More From Mix 95.7








