How to Place a Snow Fence

Snow fences are used to control the build up of drifting snow. They are common along highways in places like Colorado and Wyoming, and are also used frequently at ski areas so that the resorts can get snow to build up in certain areas and make it easier for snowcats to groom trails. Placing a snow fence is not too difficult, but requires an understanding of the weather and, more importantly, the winds. Snow fencing can even be used in home environments to minimize the need for plowing.

Things You'll Need

  • Snow fencing
  • Meteorological data
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Instructions

    • 1

      Gather data on wind speed and direction in the area where you are considering placing a snow fence. You want to place the snow fence so that the wind will hit it in one direction and snow will build up on the other side of the fence.

    • 2

      Gather data on snowfall amounts. This will help you plan how high the fence needs to be. The fence should be placed such that there is a minimum space of 10 percent of the fence's height at the bottom of the fence, and the fence should be about 50 percent porous. Snow blows within six feet of the surface.

    • 3

      Plan to put the snow fence upwind of a paved area or structure you want to protect and perpendicular to the wind. The snow fence also should be located far back from the paved area or structure, as drifts can get large. A drift can be created that is 35 times the distance of the height of your fence, so place the fence accordingly, otherwise you can create more of a problem with drifting snow.