🧊 Is the Ice Safe? Thickness Guide for Fargo-Moorhead
Both states publish minimum ice thicknesses. Both also say no ice is guaranteed safe - and river ice is its own problem.
The Red River is not a lake. Fargo Fire and Fargo Police: "river ice differs from lake ice. Because rivers
have a constant current beneath the surface, the ice is often thinner, less stable and far more dangerous."
They put out that warning after a man died falling through Red River ice near the Main Avenue bridge in March 2026.[3]
Minnesota DNR says the same about moving water, especially near bridges and culverts.[2]
Minimum thickness - new, clear ice
| Activity | North Dakota[1] | Minnesota[2] |
|---|---|---|
| Stay off | 2" | under 4" |
| Walking / ice fishing | 4" | 4" |
| Snowmobile or ATV | 6" | 5-7" (small ATV); 7-8" side-by-side |
| Car or small pickup | 8-12" | 9-10" small car or SUV; 11-12" medium SUV or small truck |
| Medium pickup / truck | 12-15" | 13" |
| Heavy-duty truck | - | 16-17" (20"+ with a wheelhouse shelter) |
White or snow-covered ice is weaker. Minnesota DNR says white ice is only about half as strong as clear ice - double the numbers above.[2] North Dakota warns snow insulates thin ice and can hide cracks and open water.[1] Ice also isn't even: be careful around trees, brush, embankments, and structures sticking out of the ice.[1]
Carry
- An ice chisel to check thickness as you go out.
- Ice picks (or a pair of screwdrivers) to pull yourself out.
- A phone.[1]
If you fall in
- Try not to panic. Turn back the way you came - the last ice you stood on held you.
- Hands and arms on the unbroken ice; kick your feet and use your picks.
- Once out, roll away. Don't stand up.[1]
If someone else does
- Stay calm and don't run out to them - rescuers become victims fast.
- Reach with a pole, board, rope, or blanket, or throw something that floats.
- Get them medical help even if they seem fine.[1]
Want ice somebody else checks? The cities flood and maintain outdoor rinks all winter. Also: sledding hills · Red River level.
References
- North Dakota Game and Fish Department - Ice Safety
- Minnesota DNR - Ice thickness guidelines; Ice safety
- City of Fargo - Fargo Fire and Fargo Police Conduct Water Rescue on Red River (March 2, 2026)
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