Official 2017 Ice-In Thread

NUMechEng · 12-20-2016, 02:46 PM

WadeJa - This is a handy reference that i found years ago regarding ice thickness. Compliments of the Farmers Almanac
http://www.almanac.com/content/ice-t...s-safety-chart

4 Inches will hold a 'group' of people 'in a single file line'
7 1/2 inches will hold a 2 ton car (Like average sized Sedan)
Yes, that is right, only 7 1/2 inches to hold a car

Technically, the 'pounds per square inch' on a snowmobile is less than a person on foot. (Although this assumes you don't get off the machine).
BUT, as Maxum stated, ice thickness can vary quite a bit.
And the ice thicknesses listed are based on 'Black Ice' (good strong ice without too much entrapped air, etc).

My family has owned a camp in Moultonboro bay for over 100 years.
I've spent my whole life on the water there. Both Frozen & Thawed.
I drive out my snowmobiles & also sometimes my car virtually every year (for fishing, etc).
But i don't drive my car out until there is a minimum of 1 foot 'in the middle'. (Deep water between Suissvale and the Neck).
This is because it's safe to assume that there are thinner spots that may be 8 inches.

Long story short, 7 inches can be safe for a snowmobile.
But if you are 'new' to the lake, or to this area of Moultonboro bay, I suggest giving it a bit more time.
If this cold keeps up, the ice (in that area of M-boro bay) should be in great shape by end of Dec.

*Disclaimer - Above is my 'opinion' based on my own 30+ yrs experience.
But I can't be held liable for my opinions on this topic. Good Luck

12-20-2016, 02:46 PM	#18
NUMechEng Junior Member Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 2 Thanks: 0 Thanked 0 Times in 0 Posts	Ice Thickness WadeJa - This is a handy reference that i found years ago regarding ice thickness. Compliments of the Farmers Almanac http://www.almanac.com/content/ice-t...s-safety-chart 4 Inches will hold a 'group' of people 'in a single file line' 7 1/2 inches will hold a 2 ton car (Like average sized Sedan) Yes, that is right, only 7 1/2 inches to hold a car Technically, the 'pounds per square inch' on a snowmobile is less than a person on foot. (Although this assumes you don't get off the machine). BUT, as Maxum stated, ice thickness can vary quite a bit. And the ice thicknesses listed are based on 'Black Ice' (good strong ice without too much entrapped air, etc). My family has owned a camp in Moultonboro bay for over 100 years. I've spent my whole life on the water there. Both Frozen & Thawed. I drive out my snowmobiles & also sometimes my car virtually every year (for fishing, etc). But i don't drive my car out until there is a minimum of 1 foot 'in the middle'. (Deep water between Suissvale and the Neck). This is because it's safe to assume that there are thinner spots that may be 8 inches. Long story short, 7 inches can be safe for a snowmobile. But if you are 'new' to the lake, or to this area of Moultonboro bay, I suggest giving it a bit more time. If this cold keeps up, the ice (in that area of M-boro bay) should be in great shape by end of Dec. *Disclaimer - Above is my 'opinion' based on my own 30+ yrs experience. But I can't be held liable for my opinions on this topic. Good Luck