Powder Snow Removal

What This Service Involves

Western Washington occasionally sees genuine powder snow when a cold air mass settles in ahead of a storm and drops light, dry flakes rather than our usual heavy wet snow. While powder is easier to move, it drifts readily in even light wind, so a cleared surface can fill back in quickly near buildings and fences. Our crews clear efficiently and, when wind is a factor, plan pass timing and pile placement to limit redrifting onto walkways and lots. We also treat underlying surfaces because powder often hides a thin ice layer formed as flakes touch cold pavement.

Benefits

Efficient clearing of light snow before drifting undoes the work; Pile placement planned to reduce redrifting near buildings and fences; Treatment of the thin ice layer powder frequently conceals; Clean results during the region's uncommon cold, dry snow spells

Our Process

1) Confirm snow is dry powder and check wind direction on site; 2) Clear surfaces quickly while flakes remain loose and easy to move; 3) Place piles downwind to minimize snow blowing back onto cleared areas; 4) Deice pavement where powder has bonded a thin ice film

What Affects the Cost

Wind conditions driving how fast surfaces redrift; Total area needing clearing before drifting resumes; Number of return passes if drifting refills key zones; Deicer needed for any concealed ice film; Complexity of pile placement given site layout and wind

Best Time of Year

Powder snow is most likely from December through January during the region's occasional dry, cold outbreaks ahead of incoming systems.