How Much Does Snow Weigh? (Why Some Snow is 10x Heavier)

by Simon Naylor | Updated: July 27th, 2023 |  Skiing Articles

Have you ever wondered just how heavy snow really is? It's hard to tell by looking at it, but snow can actually be quite dense and surprisingly heavy.

A cubic foot of dry snow can weigh between 7 and 15 pounds (3.2 to 6.8 kilograms), which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a gallon of milk, while a cubic foot of wet snow can weigh up to 62 pounds (28.1 kilograms), which is roughly equivalent to the weight of a large bag of dog food.

landscape photo of pine tree

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The exact weight of snow is affected by the temperature, altitude, and the size of the snowflakes themselves. Wet & dense snow is much heavier than dry, powdery snow.

Weight of Snow

Here's a table comparing the weight of snow in different sizes to the weight of common objects:

Snow TypeSnowball Size (inches)Weight (pounds)Weight (kilograms)Comparable Object
Dry10.0030.0014Paperclip
60.090.04Apple
120.360.16Football
242.881.3Cat
Wet10.10.05AA battery
63.61.6Small melon
1214.46.5Bowling ball
2457.626.1Large dog
Note: These weights are approximate and can vary depending on the density and moisture content of the snow.
person in green and black jacket holding snow

Snow Weight Variables

Have you ever wondered how much weight snow adds to your roof, trees, or even to your car? The answer depends on several variables, including the type of snow, temperature, and humidity. For instance, a freshly fallen powder snow weighs much less than a wet and heavy snow, which can be up to ten times heavier.

Type of Snow

The type of snow that falls can impact how much it weighs. A cubic foot of freshly fallen powder snow typically weighs between 3 and 5 pounds, while a cubic foot of wet snow can weigh up to 50 pounds. Sleet or freezing rain also weighs more than snow because it contains ice and liquid.

Type of SnowWeight per Cubic FootComparable Object
Dry, powdery snow7 - 15 poundsGallon of water
Damp snow15 - 30 poundsMedium-sized pumpkin
Wet, compact snow30 - 50 poundsLarge bag of dog food
Wet and dense snow50 - 62 poundsSmall car battery
Note: These weights are approximate and can vary depending on exact snow conditions.
image

Density

The weight of snow is determined by its density, which is a measure of how tightly packed its particles are. Freshly fallen snow is generally less dense than older snow, as it contains more air pockets.

Snowflake Size

The size and shape of snowflakes can have a significant impact on the weight of snow. Snowflakes come in a variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from small, delicate crystals to large, heavy flakes.

Generally, smaller snowflakes tend to be lighter than larger snowflakes. This is because smaller snowflakes have less mass and are less dense than larger snowflakes. In addition, smaller snowflakes tend to be more delicate and airy, which means they contain more air pockets and less water.

On the other hand, larger snowflakes tend to be heavier than smaller snowflakes. This is because larger snowflakes contain more water and less air, making them more dense. In addition, larger snowflakes tend to be more compact and spherical, which means they pack together more tightly and take up less space.

shallow focus photography of snowflake

Temperature and Humidity

Another factor that affects snow weight is temperature and humidity. Powder snow often occurs in colder temperatures, while wet snow usually appears in warmer temperatures. Colder snow is generally lighter than warmer snow, as the colder temperatures cause the snow particles to be more loosely packed. 

Temperature and humidity can impact how much water content snow has, which ultimately affects its weight. For example, powdery snow has little moisture and will not hold together, while wet snow is heavy in moisture and clumps together.

Temperature Range (°C)HumidityType of SnowWeight
Cold: Below 0°C (32°F)LowDry, powdery snowLight
Warm: 0°C to 5 °C (32°F to 41°F)LowWet, granular snowMedium
Cold: Below 0°C (32°F)HighDense, heavy snowHeavy
Warm: 0°C to 5°C (32°F to 41°F)HighWet, compact snowHeaviest

The heaviest snow is wet and compact, typically formed in warm high humid weather.

Spring ski
Photo by kcxd licensed under CC BY 2.0

Calculating Snow Weight

Now that you know some of the variables that impact snow weight, you may wonder how to calculate it. Several online snow weight calculators exist that help determine weight based on the volume and type of snow. Tools like roof snow load calculators can assist with determining the weight on your roof from snow. Knowing the weight of snow on your roof can prevent damage or hazards.

Formula for Snow Weight

You can also calculate snow weight using a formula for snow density. The formula is the weight of snow divided by its volume. The density of snow changes depending on factors like temperature and humidity, so this formula is just an approximation. Snow density can vary from around 5% for very powdery snow to nearly 30% for wet snow.

Here's an example: if you have a 20-foot-long driveway that's 10 feet wide and has 2 feet of wet snow, you can calculate the weight of snow using the formula. First, calculate the volume of snow (20 feet * 10 feet * 2 feet = 400 cubic feet). Then, use the formula: weight of snow = volume of snow * density of snow. The weight of snow in this example would be approximately 18,000 pounds.

The Physical Effects of Heavy Snow

Heavy snowfall can be both a magical and a dangerous occurrence. While the snow may look serene and peaceful, the weight of the snow can cause damage to our homes, trees, and power lines.

snow coated house at nighttime

Roof Damage

One of the most common problems caused by heavy snow accumulation is roof damage. The weight of the snow can cause a roof to collapse, leading to potential injury and significant damage to the property. The amount of weight a roof can hold depends on its type, pitch, and age. For example, a flat roof can typically hold less weight than a pitched roof, and older roofs may be weaker than newer ones. Additionally, the type of snow can also impact the weight, wet snow being heavier than dry snow.

Tree Damage

Heavy snow can also cause damage to trees by breaking branches or causing the entire tree to snap. This can be particularly dangerous if the tree is near a home or a power line. It's important to make sure that trees are properly pruned before the winter season to help prevent damage from heavy snow.

snowfield

Power Line Damage

Heavy snow can also cause damage to power lines, leading to power outages. As snow piles up on the lines, the weight can cause them to break. Additionally, high winds can cause snow-laden branches to fall onto the power lines, causing damage. It's important to clear any trees or branches that are near power lines to help prevent damage from heavy snow.

How Much Snow Can a Roof Hold?

The weight a roof can hold depends on several factors, but most importantly, the type of roof. Here are some recommended maximum snow weight for common roof types:

Roof TypeRecommended Maximum Snow Weight (per square foot)
Flat Roof20-25 pounds
Asphalt Shingle Roofup to 20 pounds
Metal Roofup to 40-60 pounds
Slate or Tile Roofup to 20-25 pounds

If you aren't sure what type of roof you have or what its load capacity is, it's best to consult a professional. They can calculate your roof’s load capacity and make recommendations for snow removal if necessary.

The Weight of Snow vs Water

If you have ever picked up a shovel full of wet snow, you know that it feels heavier than a shovel full of dry snow. That’s because the weight of snow is directly related to its water content. On average, a cubic foot of snow weighs about 15 pounds, but the weight can vary depending on the snow’s moisture content. The weight of one inch of snow covering one acre (43,560 square feet) is around 2,715 pounds.

Converting Snow to Water Equivalent

When it comes to estimating snow weight, it’s helpful to know how to convert snow measurements to water equivalents. The standard method for reporting snowfall is to measure the depth of snow and estimate the amount of water it contains. For example, 10 inches of snow can contain anywhere from 0.1 to 3.0 inches of water, depending on how light or heavy the snow is.

Snow Density

To calculate the weight of the snow in water equivalent, simply multiply the depth of snow (in inches) by the snow density factor for your region. The density factor is a number that varies depending on the type of snow and the area where you live.

A snow density of 10% means that 10 inches of snow will melt into one inch of water. So, if you have 10 inches of snow with a density of 10%, it will melt down into one inch of water and weigh around 5.2 pounds per square foot.

Snow Density FactorDefinitionExample Location
5%1 inch of water for every 20 inches of snowDry, fluffy snow in the Rocky Mountains
10%1 inch of water for every 10 inches of snowAverage snow density in the Northeastern United States
15%1 inch of water for every 6.7 inches of snowWet, heavy snow in the Pacific Northwest
20%1 inch of water for every 5 inches of snowHeavy, wet snow in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
25%1 inch of water for every 4 inches of snowExtremely dense, wet snow in coastal Alaska
snow covered mountain reflections at daytime

The Human Factor

Shoveling Snow

Snow weight can have a significant impact on human activity, especially for those who have to shovel or clear snow regularly. Wet snow can weigh up to 20 pounds per cubic foot, while dry snow weighs as little as 7 pounds per cubic foot. Shoveling wet snow can be a back-breaking task, and it's important to take breaks and use proper lifting techniques to avoid injury.

Snow Removal

red and black ride on toy car on snow covered ground

The weight of snow can also affect the way snow is removed from roads and sidewalks. Large snowplows and snow blowers are designed to move heavy snow loads, but smaller equipment may struggle with wet snow. In some cases, the weight of snow can even cause damage to buildings or structures.

Outdoor Sports

The weight of snow can also affect outdoor sports activities such as skiing, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. The weight and type of snow can impact the speed and difficulty of these activities. For example, wet snow can slow down skiers, while dry, powdery snow can make it harder to gain traction on snowshoes.

Snow Measurement Tools

There are various tools that can be used to measure snow, depending on the purpose and the accuracy required. The following are some of the most common tools:

Snow Gauges

A snow gauge is a cylindrical container that is placed on the ground and used to collect and measure the amount of snowfall. It usually has a ruler or a measuring stick inside to show the height of the accumulated snow. Snow gauges can be manual or automatic, and they come in different sizes and shapes.

Rulers

A ruler is a simple but effective tool for measuring the height of snow. It can be made of wood, metal, plastic or other materials, and it is often calibrated in inches or centimeters. Rulers can be useful for measuring small amounts of snow, such as the snow depth on a roof, but they may not be accurate for large snowfalls.

Snow Pillows

A snow pillow is a device that is installed in the ground and used to measure the weight or water equivalent of snow. It works by compressing a bladder or a sensor under the weight of the snow, and then transmitting the data to a remote station. Snow pillows are often used for hydrological and climatological purposes, and they provide more accurate measurements than other methods.

Safety Precautions for Heavy Snow

black car on snow covered road during daytime

Heavy snowfalls can be beautiful and fun, but they can also be dangerous if proper precautions are not taken. Here are some tips for staying safe during winter storms:

Clear Your Walkways and Driveways

Make sure that your walkways, driveways, and stairs are clear of snow and ice to prevent slips and falls. Use sand, salt, or other de-icing materials to improve traction if necessary.

Shovel Safely

If you have to shovel snow, take frequent breaks and use proper lifting techniques to avoid back strains or other injuries. Don't try to lift too much snow at once, and be careful not to throw snow onto injured people, pets, or passing vehicles.

Beware of Snowstorms

If a snowstorm is imminent, stay indoors as much as possible and avoid driving or walking in hazardous conditions. Stock up on food, water, and emergency supplies, and keep your heating system and your phone charged.

Remember, snow can be heavy, slippery, and unpredictable, so always be prepared and cautious.

Fun Facts: The World Record for Snow Weight

The Heaviest Snowfall Ever Recorded

The world record for the heaviest snowfall ever recorded goes to the small town of Capracotta, Italy. In March of 2015, this town saw an incredible 100.8 inches of snow fall in just 18 hours! To put this into perspective, that's over 8 feet of snow in less than a day. It's no wonder that the town was completely shut down for several days.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t3gklVoOsDg

While this is the largest amount of snowfall recorded in such a short time, other places have seen much greater accumulations of snow over longer periods. For example, the town of Paradise, California recorded a whopping 572 inches of snow over the course of the winter of 1911-1912!

Snow Weight Can Cause Serious Problems

While snow can be beautiful and fun to play in, it can also cause serious problems when it comes to weight. Heavy snow can cause roofs to collapse and power lines to snap, leading to dangerous situations and costly repairs. That's why it's important to stay on top of snow removal and take precautions to ensure that the weight of the snow does not become overwhelming.