Living Snow Fences Research Articles

Field Test of Living Snow Fences along Illinois Freeways

Abstract The objective of this study was to conduct field tests to provide insights on setback distances and species for future living snow fence (LSF) designs in IL. Seven LSF sites with different...

Living Snow Fences: International Practices

In winter, in the countries with snow covered regions, one of the main tasks of road maintenance is to combat snow deposits, snowpacks and snowdrifts on the roadway. Living snow fences consisting of tree and shrub plantings are among known world practices to protect roads against effects of snow deposits. They are environmentally friendly, durable and have great snow retention capacity. However, there are several constraints regarding application of those practices.The analysis of the design, spacing and planting schemes refers to Russian and foreign living snow fences used to protect highways, considers the features, advantages, and disadvantages of living fences in different countries. Japanese and American designs are reviewed as international experience. The influence of the state of trees on the efficiency of their snow-retaining function has been determined. As a result, the need for monitoring and proper maintenance of existing living snow fences throughout their life cycle was confirmed using the examples of surveys of forest plantations in Kazakhstan and in Volgograd region of the Russian Federation.The author presents promising directions for improving the structures and planting schemes of snow storage living fences, namely, an integrated approach to their design as of a protection not only against snowdrifts, but also against pollutants. Such solutions include the design of protective living fences using only tall shrubs, providing the best blowing of roadside areas and dispersion of contaminants. Another solution is to complement the species planted within living fences with willow and corn. Besides, referring to global climate changes, an important task for modern science has been identified, that is to update the current standards for the design of living fences under the current meteorological conditions.Recommendations on the use of mathematical modelling with the help of computer software are suggested regarding development of new configurations of living fences, assessment of their effectiveness, as well as on the adoption of modern technologies such as video cameras and drones during field tests.

Living snow fences for protection of roads: case study crest Čestobrodica

Snowdrifts caused by wind gusts reduce visibility on the road which endangers traffic safety, increases travel time and road maintenance costs. Based on previous experience and research it has been proven that living snow fence is an economical, ecological and efficient solution for protection of roads from snowdrifts. Living snow fences with their above-ground part, reduce the wind speed, act as a mechanical barrier for the snow and accumulate a certain amount of snow. This study presented use and efficiency of living snow fence in controlling snowdrifts on the road section Paraćin-Zaječar, locality – crest Čestobrodica. Analysis of environmental conditions, which are resented main endangering factor for snowdrifts, included the determination of indicators of possibility of snowdrifts: snowfall water equivalent (Swe), snow transport (Q) and ability of living snow fence to prevent snowdrifts: snow storage capacity of the fance (Qc). Snow storage capacity for living snow fence is analyzed for ten year period. Using equation for estimation of length of snowdrifts on downwind side of fance, a change in length of snowdrifts during the analyzed period are determin, and the efficiency of living snow fence in protection of the road from snowdrifts with increasing age.The results of this study represent a contribution to using living snow fence in solving the problem of roads protection from snowdrifts and increasing traffic safety during winter conditions.

Comparison of woody species for use in living snow fences in the midwestern United States

Living snow fences are windbreaks designed to prevent blowing snow on transportation routes in cold climate regions. Currently, there is a need to diversify plant species used in living snow fences due to landowner concerns about establishment and growth. Recent studies have suggested that fast-growing shrub willows (Salix spp.) can provide affordable and easily established living snow fences. We sought to compare the growth and establishment of four shrub willow cultivars and one native shrub willow species to two shrub species—gray dogwood (Cornus racemosa Lam.) and American cranberrybush (Viburnum opulus L. var. americanum Ait.)—traditionally used for living snow fences in Minnesota, as well as evaluate different coppice dates within willow species. After two years of growth, we found all species to have survival rates of >80% except for S. eriocephala × S. eriocephala ‘S25’ (77%). Additionally, postcoppice growth in 2014 for the willows significantly exceeded the growth of the traditional living snow fence species by up to 4.8-fold. Within willows, coppice date (fall of 2013 versus spring of 2014) had no effect on the survival and growth of plants except for S. purpurea ‘Fish Creek’ and S. eriocephala × S. eriocephala ‘S25’, which responded differently to coppice dates. Lastly, the native willow species S. petiolaris had comparable growth to the tallest and greatest stem-producing willow cultivars S. purpurea × S. miyabeana ‘Oneonta’ and S. purpurea ‘Fish Creek’. These results suggest that willows may establish faster than traditional living snow fence species; certain native shrub willow species may be as suitable as shrub willow cultivars for living snow fences, and the best coppice time for willow living snow fences may depend on species and objectives.

Use of Snow Fences to Reduce the Impacts of Snowdrifts on Highways: Renewed Perspective

In northern climates, snow fences are usually established in or beyond the right-of-way to eliminate blowing and drifting snow on roadways and thus improve road safety. To make snow fences more effective on highways and provide guidelines for the departments of transportation siting the fences, this work reviews the literature as well as survey responses from practitioners in northern states. This review combines information obtained from the resources to detail several aspects of snow fence use, including history, design protocols, siting policies, benefits, challenges, and numerical modeling. Particular attention is paid to living snow fences as an alternative to traditional structural snow fences. The survey results show that almost all the responding agencies have launched snow fence programs, which have various design and siting protocols that depend on the specific conditions.

The economics of planting and producing biomass from willow (Salix spp.) living snow fences

Blowing snow adversely affects winter transportation by reducing driver’s visibility, creating icy roads, and depositing snow drifts in the travel lane. Blowing snow is prevalent in snowy and windy climates where landscapes lack sufficient vegetation to trap snow. Maintaining safe driving conditions on roads with blowing snow can be a costly challenge for transportation agencies. Living snow fences (LSFs) are semi-permanent living structures that can reduce blowing and drifting snow and offer environmental benefits, such as carbon sequestration and wildlife habitat. Recently, shrub willow cultivars (Salix spp.) have been evaluated as a potential LSF due to the relative ease of planting, reduction in plant material costs, fast growth, and ability to establish well given proper site preparation, planting techniques and maintenance. To evaluate the potential of willow for LSFs this study analyzes the costs of planting and establishing a willow LSF and the viability of harvesting biomass. This study finds that the costs of planting and establishing a willow LSF is $8.11 m−1 for a two row snow fence. Biomass harvest is prohibitively expensive for the typical willow LSF due to the small scale of production. However, corridor length willow LSFs, in which planting and establishment costs are defrayed due to payments for the transportation benefits, can produce biomass at a cost of $30 dry-Mg−1.

Establishment and potential snow storage capacity of willow (Salix spp.) living snow fences in south-central Minnesota, USA

Living snow fences (LSFs) are a cost-effective windbreak practice designed to mitigate blowing and drifting snow problems along transportation routes. Shrub-willows (Salix spp.) have been proposed as a LSF species to provide multiple benefits, given their potential to reach effective heights and densities soon after planting and provide a marketable biomass product. However, information regarding their establishment and snow storage capacity in LSF settings is limited. We investigated establishment and potential snow storage capacity of three shrub-willow varieties in LSF planting arrangements of two and four rows after one growing season post-coppice on a two-year-old root system in south-central Minnesota, USA. We found willows had an average survival of 89 %, an average height of approximately 1 m, and potential snow storage capacities ranging from 1 to 9 t m−1. Compared to the mean annual snow transport of the south-central region (39.9 t m−1), none of the willow LSF varieties and planting arrangements were able to trap all of the predicted blowing snow at the study site after two growing seasons post-coppice. However, using willow LSF models, we observed that willow LSFs could exceed local snow transport after 2–3 growing seasons post-coppice. Additionally, four-row willow LSF arrangements trapped approximately 20 % more snow than to two-row arrangements, and willow variety did not affect snow storage. These results add to the limited literature on shrub-willow LSFs and can guide the design of effective willow LSFs.

Living snow fences show potential for large storage capacity and reduced drift length shortly after planting

Living snow fences are windbreaks designed to mitigate blowing snow problems by trapping snow in drifts before it reaches a road. Research studies on living snow fences are limited and extension publications consequently lack precise design protocols. This study investigated 18 sites in New York State planted with living snow fences of various vegetation types and ages ranging from 1 to 11 years after planting. Key plant growth variables of fence height and optical porosity were measured along with distance upwind and downwind. This data was combined with site specific snowfall estimates and established equations to calculate the snow storage capacity of each fence, average annual snow transport (blowing snow) at each site, and length of the downwind drift. Capacity/transport ratio of each fence/site was identified as a key variable. Height increased linearly over time and porosity decreased. Three years after planting, height and porosity was sufficient so that capacity/transport ratios were greater than 1:1, indicating substantial snow trapping potential much sooner than commonly reported. Four to eleven years after planting, capacity/transport ratios were between 3:1 and 110:1. Capacity/transport ratios of 15:1 or greater occurred as early as 5 years after planting and were correlated with estimated drift lengths <10 m. The influence of capacity/transport ratio on drift length is not accounted for in current publications and setback recommendations range from 30 to 180 m. The results of this study can improve the understanding, design and function of living snow fences.

Agroforestry

Abstract 375Blowing and drifting snow on Minnesota's roadways is a transportation efficiency and safety concern. Living snow fence is an agroforestry system involving planting of woody/tree species such as hybrid poplars, willow, other shrubs and pine trees along drifting snow areas. Establishing living snow fences improves driver visibility and road surface conditions and has the potential to lower costs of road maintenance, reduce accidents attributed to blowing and drifting snow, sequester carbon, and avoid the carbon emissions of snow removal operations. In recent years the Minnesota Department of Transportation (MNDOT) has paid farmers to leave standing corn rows to protect identified snow problem roadways. It also encourages farmers to plant living snow fences for such purpose but the adoption is too low. With increasing demand for corn to fuel the ethanol industry, paying $1.50 per bushel above market rate may not be sufficient incentive for leaving standing corn rows or to take land of production. With MNDOT's Memorandum of Understanding with USDA to plan living snow fences through the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), now is an opportune time to review MNDOT's annual payment structure to farmers and prepare a new one. This project aims to 1) develop a calculator to estimate payments for farmers that will include considerations of safety and snow removal cost savings using living snow fence agroforestry systems; 2) work closely with MNDOT's engineers and plow operators to estimate the safety and snow removal costs and carbon emissions avoided through establishing living snow fences; and 3) evaluate farmers' willingness to establish snow fence and identify farmers/landowners constraints to adoption. This data will be provided to MNDOT to assist them in their decision making related to their living snow fence program, and data will be useful for other states wishing to address drifting snow problem areas using agroforestry systems.

Classification and Comparison of Snow Fences for the Protection of Transport Infrastructures

Blowing snow or sand transport generates serious problems, such as transport infrastructures buried under snow or sand, in many parts of the world. Some of the most important problems that snow and sand storms can cause include drivers trapped on the roads, indefinite traffic delays, accidents, and isolated populations. Snow fences provide a solution to this problem because they hold back the snow, preventing displacement and wind-induced drifting. In this way, they reduce these problems on transport infrastructures and improve visibility, providing safer driving conditions. In this review, a classification is proposed of snow fences into three basic types: earth, structural, and living snow fences. Among the structural fences, nonporous and porous snow fences are distinguished. The different possibilities in terms of the placement of snow fences are also analyzed. Finally, different types of snow fences have been compared under design, construction, and operation criteria. This review can provide initial guidelines for technicians to choose the best snow fence for blizzard conditions.

Davenport Living Snowfence Demonstration: Five-Year Update

Abstract Snowfences are specialized windbreaks that divert drifting snow so it will accumulate in a predictable location. They are used commonly in areas with significant snowfall such as the Great Plains and upper mid-west, but are very uncommon in eastern Washington. The purpose of this planting was to display establishment and initial growth in this portion of the country using technologies developed elsewhere. Snowfence demonstrations in southeastern Idaho and a small-scale dry land test plantings near Ritzville, Washington led to an interagency snowfence demonstration project north of Davenport, Washington. The project demonstrated new establishment technology and the value of living snowfences in this dry cropland region. Sixteen snowdrift sites in Lincoln County were identified by road maintenance personnel from the Washington State Department of Transportation. In April 2003, we planted 532 trees and installed fabric mulch on four 268-meter long rows at the selected demonstration site. While the p...

Economics of Living Snow Fences in the Intermountain West

Abstract Past research has found that living snow fences are the most cost-effective option for controlling blowing snow along transportation corridors. Despite this, living snow fences are an underutilized forestry practice throughout much of the Intermountain West, even though these fences can be successfully maintained in the region's harsh climate. Decision-makers may be encouraged to establish more living snow fences in the region when economic efficiency gains can be demonstrated. Efficiency gains from living snow fences, evaluated using the annualized cost approach, demonstrate that the benefits to society outweigh the costs. An example is presented using an average-sized, 1,040-ft-long, 3 row snow fence, and a discount rate of 8%. To offset snow fence costs over a 50 yr expected life, the fence need only reduce traffic accidents by as little as one every 23 yr, or reduce snow plowing by about 6 hr/yr. Other likely but less quantifiable benefits make the benefits of living snow fences even more economical to society. Private expenditures may need to be subsidized if these social benefits are to be provided at optimal levels, however. West. J. Appl. For. 14(3):132-136.

Emerging Agroforestry Opportunities in the Upper Midwest

Abstract Agroforestry, the integration of trees and shrubs into agricultural systems, is thriving in the upper Midwest because of changing farm economics, new plant materials, useful research results, and growing markets for specialty forest products. Shelterbelts, riparian zones, living snow fences, and short-rotation plantations all create opportunities for environmentally friendly profit. Agroforestry's transdisciplinary nature requires partnerships, however, and although more landowners are practicing agroforestry, today's scattered installations need to be integrated into a systems approach if agricultural landscape management is to improve.

Field experiments on “living” snow fences

In Franee, drifting snow is generally controlled using artificial snow fences. Living snow fences are not a new concept but they have only been used on a limited scale. Research directly related to natural plant barriers is limited. We therefore decided to study the behaviour of species that would survive and grow satisfactorily in the French Alps.In the first experiment, we compared the storage capacity of several different kinds of living fences consisting of pruned spruces, unpruned spruces and sorbs.Field observations during the winter of 1995-96 proved that deciduous trees such as sorbs are effective, and that pruning the lower 50 cm is not effective at the end of the season because of the weight of snow on low branches.However, the use of natural plant barriers has disadvantages: a living snow fence takes time to reach an effective height and is difficult to establish on windy sites at a high altitude. This is a real problem. Therefore, in a second experiment, we studied the death rate of larches planted behind a fence. We noticed that the snow fence had several effects, snow accumulation (until the planted trees grew up) and protection of the planted trees.

Field experiments on “living” snow fences

In Franee, drifting snow is generally controlled using artificial snow fences. Living snow fences are not a new concept but they have only been used on a limited scale. Research directly related to natural plant barriers is limited. We therefore decided to study the behaviour of species that would survive and grow satisfactorily in the French Alps.In the first experiment, we compared the storage capacity of several different kinds of living fences consisting of pruned spruces, unpruned spruces and sorbs.Field observations during the winter of 1995-96 proved that deciduous trees such as sorbs are effective, and that pruning the lower 50 cm is not effective at the end of the season because of the weight of snow on low branches.However, the use of natural plant barriers has disadvantages: a living snow fence takes time to reach an effective height and is difficult to establish on windy sites at a high altitude. This is a real problem. Therefore, in a second experiment, we studied the death rate of larches planted behind a fence. We noticed that the snow fence had several effects, snow accumulation (until the planted trees grew up) and protection of the planted trees.

WINDBREAK ESTABLISHMENT THROUGH DEMONSTRATION AND EDUCATION

Windbreaks are an essential part of rural and urban living in the northern Great Plains. They provide protection to crops and livestock from wind by modifying windchill factors, lowering soil erosion, and conserving soil moisture. Around farmsteads and cities, benefits include energy conservation, control of snow deposits, and added aesthetic values. In urban centers windbreaks are important as aesthetic screens, living snow fences, noise barriers, and sites of air filtration.Tree establishment on the prairies can be challenging with low rainfall and cold winter temperatures. A windbreak demonstration program began in 1989 across the state of North Dakota. The demonstration program is a joint effort between local soil conservation districts, extension service, and 275 landowners. The demonstrations were designed to compare new and traditional tree establishment techniques. The program goal is to gather data from various demonstration sites and transfer the information to land owners, thereby increasing tree survival and establishment in windbreak plantings.

19. The design and use of living snow fences in North America

Living snow fences are rows of trees and shrubs planted to control snow along land transportation routes, and which have the potential to (1) provide snow control, (2) enhance wildlife habitat, (3) provide winter livestock protection, (4) furnish environmental beautification and (5) offer long-term economic benefits. Disadvantages include the difficulty of establishment on some sites, the length of time to reach serviceable height, the high initial cost as compared to some structures, the degree of maintenance during the establishment period and the amount of land required. Primary features of living snow fence location and design include (1) distance from road, (2) length, (3) species, (4) number of rows, (5) spacing and (6) wildlife components. Each of these is discussed at length. Maintenance, which is the effort required to obtain satisfactory survival and growth, can present a number of problems in arid regions with limited precipitation. In such areas, issues which must be dealt with include irrigation, weed control, and protection from grazing livestock, big game animals, rodents, hot, dry winds and grasshopper damage. Solutions to these problems are discussed.