How the estimate works
Snow weight depends on density. Fresh powder can weigh around 6 pounds per cubic foot, settled snow about 15, wet or wind-packed snow 20 or more, and ice about 57. The estimator converts depth and density into pounds per square foot, adds any ice layer and multiplies by the roof area.
An illustrative example
Thirty inches of settled snow at 15 lb/ft³ weighs about 37.5 psf. Add two inches of ice at roughly 9.5 psf, and the roof carries about 47 psf, roughly 113,000 pounds on a 2,400 sq ft roof. That’s above a 40 psf design load in this example. These figures are illustrative.
Why it matters for a claim
Snow-load claims often turn on whether a structure failed from the weight of snow and ice, which many policies cover, or from deterioration or defects, which they may not. Weather records, photos of snow depth and an engineer’s report are the strongest evidence. This estimator helps you frame the question, not answer it.
Questions about this calculator
Where do I find my roof’s design snow load?
Your local building department, the original building plans or a structural engineer. Utah design loads vary widely with elevation.
Is this an engineering calculation?
No. It’s a planning estimate using typical densities. Only an engineer can evaluate a specific structure.