How Long After It Starts Snowing Should I Wait To Shovel?

If you live somewhere with all four seasons, you are no stranger to snowstorms. Snow is an often-welcomed part of winter, but it also requires additional outdoor chores. As snow falls on the ground and creates a beautiful white covering on all you can see, you may wonder how long you should wait before going outside to shovel.

You should start shoveling when you notice more than two to four inches of snow accumulating during a snowstorm. The temperature, wind speeds, and future weather forecasts all impact how long you should wait before shoveling. Shovel before the snow freezes or is too heavy to move. If the sun is out and your neighbors have shoveled, it’s a sign you should do the same.

Deciding when to shovel your sidewalks and driveway is an important and also difficult choice. Choosing the right time can save you a lot of time and energy, and it can also make shoveling safer. There are, however, many factors that dictate the best time to shovel. Keep reading to learn more about these variables, as well as various signs that it is time to go outside and start shoveling.

How Long Should You Wait Before You Start Shoveling?

Generally, you should start shoveling your walkways and driveway after there is more than an inch or two of snow on the ground. Shoveling an inch of snow is much easier (and faster) than shoveling five to 10 inches. 

While this is a good rule of thumb, it is merely a guideline, and not something you should follow like a law. There are many factors you need to take into consideration that can impact when you should go outside and start shoveling snow.

Seven Factors That Impact How Long To Wait Before Shoveling

1. Outside Temperature

One major variable that will impact how soon you should shovel after it starts snowing is the outside temperature. Temperatures can change snow in many ways. If the snow is turning to slush, but will freeze due to low temperatures later on, then you should shovel right away to avoid icy walkways. 

If, on the other hand, it is dangerously cold outside, but will warm up later on, then you may consider waiting until temperatures are safer for your body. Check the temperature for the entire day to find the best times to bundle up and shovel.

2. Wind Speed

Wind is another weather variable you should pay attention to when you are deciding when you should start shoveling. Winter storms can have strong winds in addition to snowfall. If there are strong winds and gusts, it’s smart to wait until they subside.

Strong winds can blow snow onto sidewalks moments after you shovel, rendering your hard work useless. Furthermore, wind makes shoveling much harder on your body, especially on exposed skin.

3. Type Of Snow

The Inuit have more than 100 words for snow, and if you live in a snowy climate, it’s easy to understand why. There are all sorts of snowflakes, from light and fluffy to heavy slush, and even freezing rain. Each type of snowy precipitation should be dealt with in its unique way. Light and fluffy snow is easier to shovel, whereas a wintery mix of snow, freezing rain and and slush are challenging to shovel, and should be dealt with sooner rather than later.

4. Total Expected Snow Accumulation

Snowstorms vary significantly in the amount of snowfall. One storm can leave more than a foot of snow on the ground, whereas others leave a light dusting. If you are expecting less than three inches of snow, you can simply wait until the storm clears and the sun comes out before you start shoveling. 

If you are expecting a lot of snow, it’s smart to shovel more than once. Shoveling twice will make it much easier to shovel the second time. 

5. The Future Weather Forecast

Take a look at the weather forecast before you start shoveling. If it’s going to warm up and you have very little snow on the ground, you may want to just let it melt away. If the weather is looking colder and worse, then shoveling sooner than later is probably wise.

6. Your Availability And Energy Level

Listen to your body before you venture outside to shovel. Shoveling while bundled up in cold weather is not easy on your body. Ensure you shovel when you are properly stretched, rested, and have ample energy. 

7. The Rate Of Snowfall

Lastly, you must consider the rate of snowfall. It's always better to shovel when the snow has either stopped or slowed down. Shoveling when it's snowing rapidly is less effective, and also potentially dangerous.

Six Signs That It’s Time To Start Shoveling Snow

1. The Storm Is Over

One clear sign that it’s a good time to shovel is when you see the sun come out. If you see sunshine or notice it has completely stopped snowing, then it is safe and wise to begin shoveling. 

This means you won’t get snowed on while shoveling or track snow into the home after you finish. It also means your sidewalks will stay clear of snow.

2. The Temperature Is Expected To Drop

If you notice in the forecast that temperatures will dip well below freezing after a storm, then it’s smart to shovel as soon as possible. This is particularly true if the snow is a wintery mix, slush, or has begun melting, as this means ice will form if you don’t shovel quickly, and will make your walkways slippery.

3. There’s More Than Five Inches Of Snow On The Ground

If you are expecting a blizzard, you may need to shovel more than once. If there is already more than five inches of snow on the ground, and it’s still snowing, then you may want to go outside and get ahead of the storm. 

You will have to shovel a second time, but it will make the second shoveling experience much easier.

4. Your Neighbors Have Already Shoveled

If you notice that your neighbors have all shoveled, then this is a clear sign it’s time to grab your shovel. You don’t want to be the last sidewalk to get shoveled on your street. Furthermore, many communities have regulations about how long you can wait to shovel before you are liable for injuries.

5. Snow Plows Have Cleared The Street

Once snow plows have cleared the streets, it usually means it’s safe and smart to shovel your walkways. For one, it means there won’t be any additional snow pushed into your driveway from plows, as they have already passed.

Furthermore, if you can see the blacktop on the road, it means the snow has likely stopped or significantly slowed.

6. You Need To Use Your Car

A snowstorm can interrupt your daily routine, but only for so long. Eventually, you will need to access your car and drive somewhere. Before you drive, however, you need to shovel. As a general rule, you should always aim to shovel all your walkways (or at least your entire driveway) before leaving your house by car. Shoveling snow after you have driven on it is incredibly difficult to shovel.

Wrapping Up When To Begin Shoveling After It Starts Snowing

A fresh blanket of snow is beautiful to look at, but it can be a real pain to shovel. Knowing when you should start shoveling after the first snowflake falls can save you a lot of time and energy in the long run. It’s usually wise to shovel after it snows more than three or four inches, or after it has stopped snowing. Keep an eye on the temperature, wind speed, and expected snow accumulation, as all these factors can impact when it’s smart and safe to start shoveling.

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