Focusing on Safety and Education

"Safety and education are two areas we intend to shine a spotlight on during this first annual National Snow Guards Safety Month," says Lars Walberg, president of Rocky Mountain Snow Guards. "The proper installation of a snow retention system can help save lives and prevent property damage."

According to the Colorado Avalanche Information Center, five people have lost their lives in roof avalanches in Colorado in the last 30 years. There have also been many more injuries and close calls. The last roof fatality in Colorado occurred on March 16, 2023, when two children and their father were buried in a slide. Tragically one child died.

In a joint statement from the National Avalanche Center and the Colorado Avalanche Information Center in support of National Snow Guards Safety Month, leadership relates, "Roof avalanches pose a serious risk every year in mountain communities. It's critical to stay aware of snow-loaded roofs, minimize time spent beneath them, and keep a shovel nearby in case of an emergency."

Expert Safety Support

Snow guards, which are usually installed on rooftops in specific patterns to help prevent snow from avalanching down, can be made of metal, copper, aluminum, plastic or even rubber. They can be attached at the time the roofing is installed or retrofitted years later.

Density of and placement of a snow retention system is determined by the snow load anticipated per unit of roof, which is determined by several factors. The roof slope (pitch), roofing product, roof snow load and potential exposure (over walks, driveways, decks, etc.) all influence the snow retention plans.

"The free layout and quote service we provide takes individual roof specifications and provides the perfect layout for a snow retention system," says Walberg. "It is customized specifically for each roof, taking into account the snow load for a region, pitch of the roof, roofing materials involved and other factors. This allows us to create a layout resulting in a safe snow retention system."

Walberg further explains that plans are available for both residential and commercial properties. "Snow guard systems are just as important for commercial properties where you have workers and visitors near a structure continually," says Walberg. "In many cases a snow retention system may be an insurance requirement for a commercial building."

Use these links for quick access to additional snow guard information and installation videos.