Glossary
White ice
Cloudy ice formed when snow melts and refreezes. It is only about half as strong as clear ice, so double the thickness rules.
White ice, sometimes called snow ice, is cloudy ice that forms when a layer of snow on a frozen lake melts and refreezes. It looks solid, but the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (opens in a new tab) says white ice is only about half as strong as new, clear ice, so you should double its thickness guidelines when traveling on it.
The DNR's guidelines for new, clear ice are:
- under 4 inches: stay off;
- 4 inches: walking or ice fishing on foot;
- 5 to 7 inches: a snowmobile or small ATV;
- 9 to 10 inches: a small car or SUV.
On white ice, that means at least 8 inches before walking. Even these numbers are only a starting point. The DNR's ice safety page (opens in a new tab) says there is no such thing as 100 percent safe ice, that you can't judge ice strength by its appearance, age, thickness, temperature or snow cover alone, and that ice over flowing water, such as near streams, bridges and culverts, is often dangerous. Measure in several places, go with a buddy, and carry ice picks. See how thick ice needs to be.
What you can do today: before anyone in your family walks on ice this winter, agree on the 4-inch rule and who will measure.