Roofs should be safe under snow load

December 21, 2022

Except for old, rickety sheds and outbuildings, most roofs in the region should be well able to stand up under the weight of our current snow, and snow expected in the next 10 days, along with warming temperatures, are not likely to pose snow load problems, either.

Home designer Don Jordan took a measurement in his yard in Paradise Valley at 5 p.m. Tuesday. The fresh snow had not settled yet, depth was 25-inches and the weight was 16.9 pounds per square foot.

On December 12, he had 13.5 pounds per square foot in 16-inches of settled snow. Snow varies quite a lot, and others in the county are welcome to share their measurements by calling (208) 610-0226.

Modern buildings should be designed for at least a 65 pound per square foot snow load. The highest Jordan has measured is 45 pounds per square foot.