We at CVT have ice fished lake Champlain for close to 30 years, we know the ever changing ice conditions at all times.
The American Pulpwood Association has developed a table for judging the relative safety of ice on lakes and streams. This is just a guide.
| Ice Thickness | Permissible Load |
|---|---|
| 2 inches | one person on foot |
| 3 inches | group in single file |
| 7.5 inches | one car (2 tons) |
| 8 inches | light truck (2.5 tons) |
| 10 inches | truck (3.5 tons) |
| 12 inches | heavy truck (7-8 tons) |
| 15 inches | 10 tons |
| 20 inches | 25 tons |
Note: This guide is based on clear, blue, hard ice on non-running waters. Slush ice is about 50 percent weaker. Clear, blue ice over running water is about 20 percent weaker.