How Often Should You Shovel in Heavy Snowfall? An Expert Weighs In

If you’re like me, the last place you want to be during a blizzard is outside shoveling snow in the biting wind and freezing cold. Personally, I’d rather sit by the fire and wait for the storm to end, but as cozy as that sounds, it just makes the job harder on your back and your heart when the weather clears.

“If you are not used to snow shoveling, which is a continuous activity that involves lifting heavy loads, you could create stresses your cardiovascular system is not ready to take,” warns physical therapist Dr. Milica McDowell. You might ask whether it’s any less stressful trying to keep up with the storm by shoveling while the snow is actually falling. Good question.

Why Shoveling Frequency Is Important

Every snowstorm and situation is different, so no one-off strategy works for everyone. Consider what’s good for your heart, back and personal comfort, and think about the safety of people who have to use your walkways and driveway. Some states and municipalities have snow-removal requirements, but even without them, snow-covered walkways can still be hazardous. In some cases, they can turn into an insurance liability.

Factors That Affect How Often You Should Shovel

Can you enjoy sitting by the fire until the snow stops, or do you need to put on your outdoor gear, get out there and start snow shoveling while it’s still snowing? Here are some things to consider:

• Intensity of the storm: If snow is falling at a rate of several inches per hour, or there are high winds and drifting snow, you won’t be able to keep up. You’re probably better off sitting by the fire until things die down.
• Local rules: Maine requires property owners to remove snow 12 hours after a snowfall, while other states have less stringent rules and others have no rules at all or leave the rule-making to communities. Get to know your local bylaws.
• Sleet or freezing rain: It’s a good idea to leave fresh snow on walkways if it’s followed by sleet or freezing rain. A covering of snow prevents ice from forming on concrete and asphalt surfaces, making them dangerously slippery. Enjoy the fire until the rain stops, then tackle the shoveling.
• Your general health: Snow shoveling is hard on the heart and back, especially after snow has accumulated and settled. The National Safety Council warns that exertion in cold weather can trigger a heart attack in some people. People with heart issues should shovel only powder, says the NSC, and if you get out there while the snow is still falling, that’s what you’ll be doing. So if it isn’t windy or rainy, you’re doing your heart a favor by shoveling in stages a little bit at a time while it’s still snowing

Benefits of shoveling in stages

“People tend to think that shoveling partway through a storm is not a good idea, but it’s actually really smart!” says landscaper Daniel Crowley. “This habit is what I often recommend to homeowners, as it’s easier for their body and their yard.” Here are some of the benefits:

• The snow is lighter and easier to manage. Shoveling is easier on your heart and your back.
• You are less likely to dig in to and damage grass and gravel at the edges of the walkways.
• You’ll keep the walkways clear for people who have to use them during the storm. “Imagine not being able to see where you’re stepping or where you’re going,” says Crowley. “Absolutely dangerous.”

General Shoveling Guidelines During Heavy Snow

Snow shoveling is a strenuous activity, no doubt about it. Here are a few pointers from McDowell to help you protect your back and your heart:

• Avoid twisting. McDowell recommends a robotic motion: push the snow in front of you, bend your knees to pick it up, then turn your entire body to deposit it to the side. This helps minimize the twisting motion that can be so damaging to the lower back.
• Push snow out of the way rather than lifting it when possible.
• Dress warmly. Cold temperatures constrict the blood vessels and put extra strain on the heart, so make sure you’re wearing enough clothes to keep your body warm.
• Alternate to the right and to the left. “Most individuals tend to be right-handed,” says McDowell. “So they will shovel to their right, which can cause flare-ups or muscle irritation. Try to do a 50-50 shoveling technique where you shovel for half of your session to the right and half to the left.”
• Warm up before shoveling. Do some exercises indoors to elevate your heart rate. McDowell recommends marching in place, going up and down a flight of stairs or doing squats, but even just walking around the house at a quick pace will help.
• Take frequent breaks. Working slowly and methodically will help you catch your breath and reduce stress on your heart.

When It’s OK to Wait

Don’t fight with Mother Nature. When snow is drifting, coming down faster than you can shovel or turning into rain, you’re better off hanging by the fire than you are trying to work in intense weather conditions.

FAQ

Do the same rules apply for snow blowing?

Speaking from his landscaping experience, Crowley comments: “You’re giving your snow blower a break when clearing snow in layers. It saves your machine from a lot of stress,” plus it prevents it from scattering gravel, mulch, or decorative stones all around your yard.”

That said, a snow blower can handle a heavier accumulation of snow than you can with a shovel. That’s why you have one. So if conditions are bad, your snowblower does give you the opportunity to wait until they improve before you clear the walkways.

Can I wait if I plan to use ice melt later?

This is not a good idea. Ice melt works best when applied to bare pavement but tends to get lost in deep snow. Not only that, it melts some of the snow, which can re-freeze and turn to ice, making the snow heavier and the cleanup that much more difficult.

About the Experts

• Daniel Crowley is the founder of Hello Gravel. a company with a mission to make delivering gravel easy and stress free nationwide.
• Dr. Milica McDowell is a Doctor of Physical Therapy with over 20 years experience in sports/orthopedics. She is also a personal trainer, exercise physiologist, team and endurance sport coach, gym owner, 13 time Ironman finisher, 50K finisher and CrossFit level 1 certified coach.

The post How Often Should You Shovel in Heavy Snowfall? An Expert Weighs In appeared first on Family Handyman.

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