Submit an Ice Thickness Report
Help your community stay informed. Click on the map to drop a pin where you took your measurement, then share what you observed.
How to Describe Ice Conditions Accurately
Surface Conditions
Use the options on the form to describe what the top of the ice looks and feels like. Here’s what each option generally means:
- Clear ice – Dark, glassy, or transparent ice. Usually the strongest type of ice.
- Cloudy/white ice – Milky or opaque ice with air bubbles. Often forms after snow or thaw/freeze cycles and is usually weaker than clear ice.
- Snow-covered – Ice is covered in snow. Snow can hide cracks, slush, and thin spots and insulates the ice, slowing growth.
- Slushy – Wet, heavy slush on top of the ice. Indicates poor support and ongoing melting or water pushing up.
- Wet surface – Standing water or shiny wet areas on top of the ice. May indicate thinning ice, overflow, or flooding.
- Rough/Cracked – Uneven or broken surface, with visible cracks or heaves. Often found near pressure ridges or where ice is expanding/contracting.
- Refrozen – Areas that have melted and refrozen. Often bumpy or patchy and generally weaker than solid, uniform clear ice.
- Unknown – Use this if you’re unsure. It’s better to admit uncertainty than guess.
Hazards (Checkboxes)
These options help highlight specific danger zones. Check all that apply if you saw:
- Slush present – Soft, watery snow or slop on top of the ice. Often a sign of weak or deteriorating ice.
- Pressure ridge nearby – A raised “wall” or line where sheets of ice are pushing together. Can hide open water, deep cracks, and sudden drop-offs.
- Wet surface spots – Puddles or streaks of water on the ice. May indicate thin spots, overflow, or water pushing through cracks.
- Cracks observed – Visible cracks, especially wide or wet ones. Not every crack is an emergency, but they show stress and movement.
- Open water within 50 yards – Any visible open water, especially near inlets/outlets, narrows, bridges, or structures. This is a major warning sign for nearby ice.
Tip: When in doubt, use the notes box to describe what you’re seeing in your own words. That extra detail can help others make better decisions.
Basic Ice Thickness Guidelines (General)
These are common reference values used by many safety agencies. Always follow local rules and official guidance first.
- < 2" – Stay off. Too thin for any activity.
- 4" – Foot traffic only (walking).
- 5–7" – Snowmobiles or ATVs (conditions dependent).
- 8–12" – Small cars/light trucks only where allowed.
- 12" + – Heavier vehicles (not recommended without official guidance).
⚠️ These are general guidelines only. Ice strength is affected by currents, snow cover, slush, pressure ridges, springs, and many other factors.