Ice Safety Disclaimer

What a reading means

A thickness number is a report from one spot at one time. Ice varies across a lake. Current, springs, inlets, pressure ridges, pressure cracks, snow cover, rain, wind and sun can make ice thin fast, even when the reading beside it was thick. Every Iceline reading shows when it was updated. Older readings fade to gray. Treat anything old as unknown.

What a forecast means

Forecasts come from weather data and a model. Models are wrong sometimes. A forecast is not a measurement and never makes ice safe.

Our colors are a guide

The status colors follow public guidance, including Minnesota DNR thickness guidance for new, clear ice. They do not account for white ice, slush, snow load, moving water, or a vehicle that is heavy or loaded. Gray means we have no data or it is early season. Gray is not safe.

Check it yourself

• Measure the ice at several spots as you go, with a spud, auger or chisel.
• Stay off ice under 4 inches. Stay off ice you cannot see or measure.
• Avoid inlets, outlets, narrows, springs, pressure ridges and spots with open water.
• Wear a flotation device and carry ice picks. Tell someone where you are and when you will be back.
• Leave a vehicle on shore if you have any doubt.

Your responsibility

You decide whether to go on the ice or a trail. By using Iceline you accept the risks of winter recreation, including drowning, hypothermia, injury and death, and you agree that Hive Asset Group, LLC does not guarantee any ice or trail condition. This disclaimer is part of our Terms of Use.

If you see danger

If someone is in the water, call 911. If you see open water or thin ice that others may not know about, tell us at hello@iceline.app and, when reporting opens, submit a report so we can mark the lake red.