Managing Snow Stacking: Where Does All That Snow Go?

Snow Removal Services

After weeks of heavy snowfall, snow stacking reaches capacity. Proactive planning prevents overflow that blocks fire lanes, sight lines, and accessible parking spaces.

Snow stacking — the process of building up piles in designated corners of a property — works well until cumulative snowfall exceeds the pile height. In a heavy Ontario winter with 150 to 200 cm of seasonal snow, a parking lot's designated stacking zones can be overwhelmed by February.

Winter Preparedness Tips

The best approach is to designate generous stacking zones at the outset of the season, ideally in low-traffic corners away from accessible parking spaces, fire lanes, and delivery bays. These zones should be identified in the snow removal contract so crews are consistent about where snow is pushed.

When stacking capacity is reached, snow may need to be relocated or hauled off-site. Snow hauling is an additional cost not covered by most seasonal contracts, but it becomes necessary for commercial properties during heavy winters. D&D Snow Services schedules haul-away events when piles approach maximum height.

D&D Snow Services Coverage

Sight line safety is a critical consideration in snow stacking. High piles at the corners of exit driveways block driver visibility and create collision risk. Keep stacking zones away from intersection sight triangles and ensure piles don't exceed the height of the average vehicle.

For large commercial properties, periodic compaction of snow piles using a front-end loader can extend stacking capacity. Compacted snow takes up approximately 40% less volume, allowing the same zone to handle significantly more accumulation.