Variation of snow loads on ground in British Columbia

The snow load used for the design of buildings varies with geographical location, elevation and aspect. In 1966 observations were initiated to obtain information on the variation with elevation. The water equivalent of the snow on the ground was measured at sites having a standard exposure and at 400 feet intervals of elevation on several mountains.The maximum snow load per winter is a second degree function of the elevation. Snow loads increase at a greater rate in wet climate than in areas where snowfalls are small.