I went and checked out a small lake (frozen) near my house today.

Seemed ok, but I'm not sure...

Any rules of thumb out there about ice thickness?

I was thinking around 4 - 5" should be OK.

I'll bring my cordless drill next time

And, does anyone here carry those safety ice picks?

Canuck posted some nice links on the snowkite forum under the heading "Skiing on thin ice?" There are some tables the fishermen use.

4"-5" will easily support a small group of people. You need about twice that to support a truck or passenger car.

Have fun!

Dean

We wait for about 4 or 5 inches.
But:
Depending on how fast the water has frozen over and how much snow is on top of the ice and how deep the water is and whether there is much or any water movement and whether there are any springs you may want to wait until it has been that thick for a while so it can even out.
Those little ice picks would help getting out. (I hope, I usually carry them early in the season)
I wonder if ski boots float or are at least neutrally buoyant.
If you are really worried, wear a lifejacket. It makes an excellent impact vest (but a little warm).

Have a good day,
George

Thanks for the info!

I'll wait another few days since we just got another 4" of snow last night - the local farm fields should be covered really well now.

I have this crazy theory. I figure that as long as i'm moving on the ice I'm not creating that much downward force. More lateral I hope :duh:
I gained this theory when I headed out alone on an unfamiliar lake then had to get back. Took off to the other side to see what a group was doing when I drove by the day before. As I got about 3/4 way accross I could see that they had been using branches and things to pull someone out :o