Climatological characterization of wind and snowfall in Minnesota for assessing the impact of living snow fences

Millions of dollars are spent each year for snow removal along roads and highways in the Upper Midwest, with a significant portion of costs resulting from the replowing of windblown snow. Detailed studies of mitigation practices in Wyoming show that the utilization of living snow fences, along with proper road design, improves road conditions considerably. A study is underway to calculate the climatological parameters needed for the deployment of living snow fences along Minnesota highways. Wind and snow climatologies are determined for approximately 210 weather stations around the state using a 100-year period of record. The snowfall accumulation season, snowfall frequency, and a wind vector analysis is delimited for each station. These parameters are then used to model potential snow transport and mean seasonal snow transport to determine the type of fence required. Field investigations in southwestern Minnesota are ongoing to investigate snow storage and soil moisture and temperature patterns associated with a twin-row honeysuckle barrier. Implications for agricultural best management practices and the cost-effectiveness of the living snow fences will be determined at the conclusion of the study. The database and results of this study will be placed on a Web site for utilization by local transportation authorities in negotiation with landowners over compensation and placement of living snow fences.