Snow fence

– Description and physical mechanism:
– Snow fences cause turbulence in the wind to drop snow on the lee side.
– Fences are placed strategically to prevent snow from drifting onto undesired areas.
– Studies show that snow fences save lives and reduce maintenance costs.
– Mechanical snow removal costs about 100 times more than trapping snow with fences.
– Snow and ice removal costs in the US exceed $2 billion annually.

– In Japan:
– Snow fences in Japan include structures like Yukigakoi made of reeds and wooden boards.
– Wooden fences on railway lines were replaced due to fire accidents.
– Blowing pool type snow fences were first installed on roads in 1961.
– Hokkaido developed Blow-off and Blow-up prevention type snow fences.
– Japanese railways are re-evaluating the use of snow fences.

– See also:
– Snow guard prevents snow from falling off roofs onto people below.
– Snow shed is designed for snow to collect on top.
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– References:
– University of Nebraska and Iowa have conducted research on snow management and windbreaks.
– Living Snow Fences: Functions and Benefits documented by the University of Minnesota.
– Transportation Research Board provides guidelines for snow and ice control methods.
– Japanese research on snow fence technical development and performance improvement.
– Public Works Research Institute Cold Region Civil Engineering Research Institute publishes studies on snow fences.

– External links:
– Wikimedia Commons has media related to snow fences.
– Short film “Effective Snow Fences” is available for free viewing and download.
– Plans for 3m and 3.6m Wyoming-style snow fences are accessible.
– Article on the purpose of snow fences and their effectiveness.
– Resources on building effective snow fences for various purposes.