Every winter, it seems, a number of people fall through ice they thought was safe. That’s what happened recently in Marquette’s Lower Harbor when someone fell through ice while reportedly skating.

Many experienced ice fisherman know that as a practical matter, “safe ice” is an oxymoron, or fundamental contradiction in terms. Any ice can give way, no matter the ambient temperature. Ice thickness and related safety is related to not only temperature but snow depth on the ice and water currents, to name just two influences.

Because of that, the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources recommends a minimum of 4 inches for foot traffic, 5 inches for snowmobiles, up to 12 inches for a car or small pickup or as much as 15 inches for a medium truck.

Ice thickness can be gauged with a chisel, auger or drill. So if recreating on the ice is what you like to do, think safety first.