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Best Practices for Road Weather Management Version 2.0

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Title:

The Use of Trees and Shrubs for Control of Blowing Snow in Select Locations Along Wyoming Highways

Abstract:

This study evaluates the feasibility of living snow fences as replacement for wooden snow fences in select locations along Wyoming highways. Receiving adequate maintenance and replacements, trees and shrub seedlings did survive and grow at the two study locations in southern Wyoming. After eight years of growth, the trees and shrubs were still several years from functioning as a replacement for the Wyoming board snow fence. As continued growth yields adequate height and crown closure, the living snow fences should prove to be a feasible replacement to board snow fences. Installation cost, when factored for establishment period and service life, appear to be somewhat more economical for living snow fences than for board snow fences. A cooperative approach, with involvement of the various agencies and private parties which will benefit from the tree and shrub plantings, is suggested for the establishment and maintenance of living snow fences.

Source(s):

Wyoming DOT and Wyoming State Forestry Division. For an electronic copy of this resource, please direct your request to WeatherFeedback@dot.gov.

Date: 1991

Author:

Powell, Reed, Lanning, Perko

Keywords:


Snow fence
Costs
Blowing/Drifting snow

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