Ice Thickness

[Anima1z]

I'm sure this has been asked a few times, but what ice thickness is considered safe for 2 people?  I usually go on 5-6+ inches.

Thanks!

[big big rdg]

A guide line for ice thinckness safety is......
2 inches- one person
3 inches-group in single file
5 inches-group of 6-8 people

I dont like being on anything less than 3" of clear black ice.

[Massfisher]

farmers almanack

Ice Thickness* Permissible Load
3 inches Single person on foot
4 inches Group in single file
7-1/2 inches Passenger car (2-ton gross)
8 inches Light truck (2-1/2-ton gross)
10 inches Medium truck (3-1/2-ton gross)
12 inches Heavy truck (8-ton gross)
15 inches 10 tons
20 inches 25 tons
30 inches 70 tons
36 inches 110 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.

[Hood]

Here is what the NY State DEC has on their site for ice thickness...may have to scroll down a bit to get to the chart.

http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/fish/icefish.html#theice

[Anima1z]

Thanks for the listings, I guess I can go out earlier!  4" sounds good to me but I have a gas auger and that seems like it would be overkill.

Thanks!

[flapjack]

Take the chisel out on early ice, it doesn't take much to spud 5 holes on 3 to 5" of ice.

[big big rdg]

I just bought a cheap hand auger for my early season fishing. I also thought that the gas one would be over kill for early season so i went with that.