How can I tell if a frozen pond is safe to skate on?

Question

How can I tell if a frozen pond is safe to skate on?

Answer 1

Ice Thickness* Permissible Load

3 inchesSingle person on foot

4 inchesGroup in single file

7-1/2 inchesPassenger car (2-ton gross)

8 inchesLight truck (2-1/2-ton gross)

10 inchesMedium truck (3-1/2-ton gross)

12 inchesHeavy truck (8-ton gross)

15 inches10 tons

20 inches25 tons

30 inches70 tons

36 inches110 tons

*Solid clear blue/black and lake ice.

Slush ice has only half the strength of blue ice.

Strength value of river ice is 15 percent less.

Answer 2

Use an auger to make sure the ice is at least 4 inches thick.