What is a snow fence?

A Snow Fence is a type of snow barrier. Like a sand fence, it slows the wind and prevents snowdrift from forming on roads and railways. This fence is also commonly used by farmers to create drifts in water basins, ensuring an ample supply of water in spring.

Snow fences create a pressure differential
A snow fence creates a pressure differential between the snow and air. The amount of air that can pass through the fence will determine how much snow will be retained. The higher the fence, the greater the pressure differential between the air and the snow. However, as the fence fills up with snow, its efficiency will decrease. Hence, the maximum capacity of a snow fence should be characterized before the effect of height can be specified.

The fence works by creating a pressure differential between the two sides of the snow, causing the air on the upwind side to drop snow. As a result, snow will pile up on the downwind side. This will reduce the amount of snow that needs to be plowed and keep roads safer.

They slow the wind
Snow fences are effective at slowing down the wind in a variety of ways. One of these methods is based on the principle of air turbulence, which is the dissipation of wind energy. The turbulence created by the fence causes the wind to increase pressure on the upwind side and to decrease on the downwind side. This means that if the wind does not have sufficient energy to carry the snow load, it will be slowed down by the snow fence.

Another method of slowing down the wind is to plant trees and shrubs. While most trees grow slowly, shrubs grow rapidly and can impact the wind in two to three years. Unlike trees, however, shrubs do not grow as high and can be used as a windbreak.

They prevent drifts
Snow Fences are strategically-placed barriers that direct snow away from pathways, roads, and structures. The height and placement of snow fences vary depending on the local climate, but they help prevent snow from accumulating in high-traffic areas. They also reduce snow removal costs. For the most effective snow fences, space them several feet apart and overlap the edges.

In general, taller fences are more effective than short fences. A single eight-foot fence can effectively block as much snow as five rows of four-foot fencing. In some extreme climates, multiple rows of fences may be necessary. If you can, multiply the height of each fence by 30 feet to avoid the risk of a drift burying a fence below it. Ideally, two 4-ft. fences should be spaced 120 feet apart, with shorter fences positioned closer together on sloping terrain.

They reduce the need for snow removal
Snow fences are a simple, affordable way to reduce the need for snow removal and improve road safety. Snow fences can be as short as 9 meters or as long as 49 meters. Regardless of their height, snow fences can reduce the amount of snow removed from the roadway by 30 percent. They also improve visibility during blizzards.

Snow fences work by catching and directing snow drifts. The snow is then deposited on the lee side of the fence. This way, the snow doesn't fall onto the driveway and roads.