How thick did the ice have to be on the Missouri river for settlers to cross in wagons?

For settlers to safely cross the Missouri River in wagons during the winter, the ice typically needed to be at least 12 to 15 inches thick. This thickness ensured that the ice could support the weight of the wagons and the animals pulling them. However, the specific requirements could vary based on factors such as ice quality and temperature conditions. Settlers often assessed the ice carefully before attempting a crossing to avoid accidents.