When winter storms hit and leave feet of snow on the ground, clearing your driveway and sidewalks can be a daunting task. Shoveling all that snow is exhausting and time-consuming. A snowblower seems like an ideal solution, but will it work in really deep snow?
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Can a snowblower handle deep snow?
Most snowblowers are designed to handle depths of 8-12 inches of fresh snow without any issues. Once the snow reaches about a foot deep, some residential snowblowers may start to struggle. Heavy, wet snow that has been packed down can also be difficult for some smaller models to clear effectively.
Larger two-stage snowblowers that are 24 inches wide or wider are best equipped to throw huge volumes of snow and cut through snow depths of 18-24 inches. Heavy duty machines with high-capacity augers and engines with at least 250cc of power will have the most muscle to tackle really deep drifts.
Factors that affect snowblower performance
Several factors come into play when determining if a snowblower is up for clearing very deep snow:
Snowblower type
Single-stage – Best for light snow up to 6-8 inches deep. Not designed for heavy, wet snow.
Two-stage – Can handle 12-24+ inches of snow. More powerful augers and impeller.
Three-stage – Equipped with an accelerator, ideal for 24+ inches of snow.
Auger diameter and intake height
Wider augers and higher intake openings allow more snow to be pulled in and thrown out.
| Auger Width | Intake Height |
|---|---|
| 18-24 inches | 12-18 inches |
Engine power
More powerful engines with at least 250cc provide the muscle for heavy snow.
Drive type
Wheeled – Good for smooth surfaces
Tracked – Better traction in deep snow
Weight and balance
Heavier machines hold their position better to resist being pushed around in deep drifts.
Additional features
Heated augers, articulating chutes, and corkscrew augers improve performance in dense, packed, or icy snow.
Tips for using a snowblower in deep snow
If attempting to clear very deep drifts, keep these tips in mind:
- Go slowly – Use a low gear setting for maximum auger torque.
- Cut a narrower swath – Take partial passes to cut through deep layers.
- Adjust the chute angle frequently – Prevent snow from building up and clogging the chute.
- Lift the auger housing – Reduce the risk of the front end riding up in very deep drifts.
- Apply downward pressure – Engage any skid shoes to keep the auger tight to the pavement.
- Remove any clogs – Stop the auger and clear jammed snow as soon as it builds up.
When is snow too deep for a snowblower?
Once snow reaches 2+ feet deep, most standard residential snowblowers will not have the intake height or power to get through it efficiently. Continually getting stuck and spending more time unclogging the machine than actually removing snow reduces your clearing productivity.
Rather than fighting with an underpowered snowblower in very deep drifts, focus your efforts where a snowblower can work most effectively. Clear any packed down footpaths first, then make gradual passes across the driveway and sidewalks to break up the snow depth before attempting to go wider.
For extremely deep snow, over 30 inches, even a heavy duty snowblower may not be the best option. Using a plow service or hiring a skid steer loader with a snow bucket attachment to scoop and lift the snow may be more practical.
Choosing a snowblower for maximum snow-clearing ability
If you regularly get heavy snow where you live, select a snowblower built to take on the deepest drifts:
- Look for a high intake height of at least 18 inches.
- Minimum 28-inch auger width.
- 350cc or larger engine.
- Separate chute rotation control.
- Heated augers or corkscrew augers for dense snow.
- Drift cutters on the auger housing.
- Trigger steering and articulating chutes for maneuverability.
- Electric start for convenience.
Prioritizing these features will give you the most snow eating monster that can devour through seriously deep snow so you can get your driveway and sidewalks cleared faster after heavy storms.
Maintaining your snowblower for optimal performance
A properly maintained snowblower will be much better prepared to muscle through heavy snow without clogging or breaking down. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for maintenance tasks and schedules:
Off-season maintenance
- Change the engine oil and spark plug.
- Replace worn auger skid shoes.
- Inspect belts and lubricate auger and impeller shafts.
- Empty old fuel and run carburetor dry.
- Apply grease to gears and auger spiral.
- Check and tighten any loose bolts or connections.
- Touch up paint on rusted spots.
Pre-season inspection
- Check tire pressure and treads.
- Test and charge the battery.
- Ensure good lubrication on all moving parts.
- Inspect shear bolts, belts, skid plates.
- Start engine and test drive operation.
Frequent maintenance
- Keep fuel tank full with stabilized gas.
- Spray auger housing and chute with non-stick coating.
- Touch up paint scrapes to avoid rust.
- Adjust skid shoes as needed.
With regular TLC, your snowblower will deliver maximum performance when you need it most. Taking good care of it in the off-season and before storms hit gives you the best chance of success in really deep snow.
Conclusion
Snowblowers are excellent winter tools, but there are limitations when the snow gets really deep. Standard residential models usually can’t handle more than 18-24 inches efficiently. The biggest factors determining snow clearing ability are auger size, intake height, engine power, and robust build quality.
For maximum performance in deep snow, choose a heavy-duty two- or three-stage snowblower with high intake height, big augers, and a large engine over 250cc. Use good technique, work slowly, and maintain your machine properly. When snow exceeds 2-3 feet, have realistic expectations about what a snowblower can handle. Supplement with shoveling or consider heavy equipment for extremely deep drifts.