Ice Thickness Safety Calculator
Check whether ice is thick enough for walking, snowmobiling, or driving. Adjusts for ice type, water current, and air temperature to give an effective thickness and safety rating.
Inputs
Results
Effective Thickness
6"
How to Use This Calculator
- Enter Measured Ice Thickness (inches) — drill or chisel test holes every 150 ft as you progress.
- Select Ice Type: clear blue ice is strongest; white or opaque ice and layered ice are weaker.
- Enter Air Temperature (°F) — near-freezing temperatures reduce load-bearing capacity as the ice softens.
- Select Water Current level (still, slow, moderate, fast) — current thins ice from below and creates weak spots.
- Review Effective Thickness and the safe-use indicators for walking, snowmobiling, and vehicle access.
- Never assume safe conditions — always test multiple locations and avoid ice with water pooling on top.
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