Be aware of various ice strengths and qualities. One area of a pond may be a foot thick while another spot of ice may only be an inch thick. Ice strength can also change. Thick ice is rotten after rain. Old honey-combed ice, slush ice or ice with current under it is also dangerous.
New ice is almost always stronger that old ice.
Wind, waterfowl and beavers can also keep areas of ice thin. Indiana law limits ice fishing holes to a diameter of twelve inches. Fishing shanties must have reflectors on each side so snowmobiles won't crash into them at dusk or during snowstorms. Five inches of ice Needed for snowmobiling Eight inches of ice Needed to support the weight of a car or light truck. Ten inches of ice Needed to support a medium weight truck.