It has nothing to do with how thick the ice is (well to a point it does). The car tried to drive over a pressure ridge and from the look of the ice around it a fresh one.
People need to learn to slow down when crossing ice no matter how thick or thin it is. Don't cross pressure ridges if you can avoid it, or at least look for a common crossing where the snow has been packed flat by several vehicles.
Once lake freezes over it actually seems to hold a temperature and continue to freeze so even though it has been mild we continue to build ice. The fact we have no snow has helped. Most lakes now have well over 12" of ice now.
Never assume either that once we have 2 feet of ice that you are good to go everywhere. Ice can actually wear from the bottom where there is current, gas or springs. Seems to be worse when there is lots of snow cover.
Just use your noggin when driving.
Speed is the worst think when driving on ice. I can't believe the morons out there that think they should drive 60 because the ice is thinner??
I saw a guy in a big HD Ford go flying across Little Bear doing mach 10. When they got out to a point where another truck was parked; either they found out that there was only 12" of ice (which is enough) or caught heck for driving like a maniac. They then did a donut and came flying back almost as fast, but hugged the North shore (where the springs reportedly are). Then they parked on shore and walked all the way back across the lake to the point (where the other truck had now departed - likely didn't want the company of said crazies).
If someone reads this and is offended because I'm referring to you. Slow down before you drown yourself or someone else.
Braver than me
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