What’s the science behind ice thickness and when is it safe to drive on a lake?

What’s the science behind ice thickness and when is it safe to drive on a lake?

From Curious Minnesota by Minnesota Star Tribune

March 31, 2026 · 16 min

About this episode

Reporter Kim Hyatt discusses the science and history of ice thickness and safety for driving on lakes with host Erica Pearson.

Back in the 1970s, a Canadian ice researcher developed a formula to determine how thick lake ice needed to be for logging trucks to drive across. It helps inform the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources' ice safety guidelines today. Reporter Kim Hyatt talks with host Erica Pearson about the history and science of ice roads.

People in this episode

Host: Erica Pearson

Guest: Kim Hyatt

Topics covered

  • ice thickness
  • lake safety
  • science
  • history

Keywords

  • ice roads
  • Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
  • logging trucks

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