Ice & Cold
Tell if ice is safe to cross
Color, thickness, and history — check all three before you step out.
Jason Mitchell — Ice Safety Checklist
Step-by-step
Clear blue or black ice is the strongest. White or opaque ice is half as strong. Grey ice is unsafe — leave it alone.
Thickness rules of thumb on clear ice: 4 in / 10 cm to walk, 5-7 in / 12-18 cm for a snowmobile, 12+ in / 30+ cm for a light truck.
Drill or chop test holes every 50 ft on unknown ice and measure — don't guess.
Skip inlets, outlets, springs, currents, and any area with cracks radiating from a point.
Avoid ice near docks and pilings; dark objects absorb heat and thin the ice around them.
Warning: No ice is guaranteed safe. If you break through, kick horizontally, get your arms flat on solid ice, and roll — don't try to climb.
Related outdoor skills
Educational reference only. Wilderness conditions change fast — practice in low-stakes settings, take a certified wilderness first-aid course, and confirm regional regulations before you rely on any of these skills in the field.