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2.5 inches of ice is usually strong enough to walk on but the reccommended is 4 inches. To be safe on a snow machine or a snow mobile you will need about 5 to 6 inches. Light cars require 7 to 12 inches of ice in order to be safe while full sized trucks will need 14 to 16 inches of solid ice to drive on. You must always be careful because ice will not form, or form a very thin layer in areas with swift currents. Some times on the Great Lakes off shore winds will break off mile wide sheets of ice and strand large numbers of fishermen. Late-winter warm spells can destroy the texture of the ice, which, while still of the required thickness, will not adequately support weight. This effect is called rotten ice, or soft ice, and is extremely dangerous. Some people will continue to fish because even with the soft ice, 8 inches is still enough to be safe. Most ice fishermen carry a self rescue device that is made of two spiked handles that can be used to haul themselves onto the ice and out of the water.
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Many cars, trucks, SUVs, snowmobiles, and fish huts fall through the ice each year. Current environmental
regulations require the quick recovery of the vehicle or structure in this situation. Divers must be hired, and when the trouble occurs far from shore, helicopters may be employed for hoisting.
Other risks associated with ice fishing include carbon monoxide poisoning from fish house heaters and frostbite due
to prolonged exposure to wind and the temperatures associated although most new houses are fitted with air exchange
systems that allow air flow preventing poisoning.
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