Instructions / Assembly

3. Placement
Correct placement is essential in installing effective snow fencing. Incorrect placement
can make the snow drift problem worse. Fence posts should be spaced no more than 8
feet apart for 4 ft. snow fences. End posts should be 6 ft. or less from the adjacent post.
The end post placement facilitates bracing.
• Row – A drift can spread as far as 35 times the height of the fence. Therefore, the fence
must be at least that far from the roadway and the distance may be farther because of
irregular terrain. Also build the fence longer than the area that needs to be protected.
Add 20 times the height of the fence on each end to account for wind variation.
• Alignment – Generally place the fence parallel to the road if the wind is within 25
degrees of being perpendicular to the roadway. If the wind direction is parallel to the
road, fences should be placed perpendicular to the prevailing wind direction. Placement
may vary up to 25 degrees to avoid adverse terrain or to take advantage of favorable
topography.
• Multiple Rows – To avoid fence burial downwind leave 25 times the height in open area
for snow drifts to form. With staggered fencing, make sure that all gaps are covered with
following rows.
Maintenance
To ensure that the fence performs at its highest level, continual maintenance checks are
essential. Check the anchoring system and look for missing and damaged parts
periodically.
When snow blows and drifts on roadways or driveways, the end result often includes a
reduction in driver safety, degradation of road quality, and significant removal costs for
drifted snow. Snow fences are also used to trap snow in dugouts for water storage. The
value of a snow fence is clear; however, exactly how one works is commonly
misunderstood.