What is the minimum ice thickness required for safe snowmobiling?

The minimum ice thickness required for safe snowmobiling is indeed 20 cm. This figure is based on safety guidelines that ensure the ice can adequately support the weight of the snowmobile and its rider without risk of breaking. Ice thickness can vary greatly depending on factors such as temperature fluctuations, weather conditions, and the type of water body.

Typically, 20 cm of solid, clear ice is a recommended threshold for safe passage on a snowmobile. Ice thinner than this can be unpredictable, as it may not support the weight, potentially leading to dangerous situations such as falling through.

The choices that suggest lower thicknesses are not considered safe because they do not provide sufficient support and increase the risk of accidents. Thicker ice provides an additional safety margin, allowing for weight distribution and any extra forces that may be present due to the dynamics of riding a snowmobile. Therefore, always prioritizing safety, 20 cm is recognized as the minimum safe thickness for snowmobiling on ice.