Go out in the storm or wait till its over

[Hooked_on_HP]

We are in the middle of a blizzard. With about 8" on the ground and 40mph winds I went out and started plowing. I wanted to get every thing opened up in case we get the 20-30" they are calling for. We have never had a snow storm this size. I wasn't sure if I could move 20" of snow with my front blade. I figured I would do it in stages. Go out about every 4 hrs. Do you go out in the storm or wait till it is over. BTW it is an open platform tractor. No cab.
Bill

 

[Markcuda]

I am going to wait till it's over, Wednesday night but the winds will still be high=35ish MPH
It is so bad here right now

 

[MikeInEburg]

I like to wait until the snow and wind stops because it's just no fun to be miserable.
Mike

 

[fgross335_2210]

If I only had a blade/loader, I would push most of it back a time or two so it doesn't become overwhelming. Snowblower, more likely to wait until the end. I admit I enjoy getting all bundled up and going out in the snow...any excuse will do!

 

[Andy in Gap]

Everytime I wait till it's over, I usually end up wishing I didn't. That much snow takes hours to move with a front blade or loader. For me, I'd rather move 6" 3 or 4 times than 1 or 2 feet, one time. But, I only have a front blade and an 18hp tractor. I'd be out in it at least once or twice.

 

[beenthere]

Catch 22.
Sometimes plowing up snow just ends up drifting back in deeper than if leaving the snow to blow across the drive. I've had it happen both ways. I plowed this am before the second storm from the south came that we are in at the moment. I won't plow again until tomorrow at around noon. Hope the wind velocity has died back down by then.

This snow seems to be cold and "dry", and moves easily, compared to wet snow. Tomorrow will have the chains on the rears at least. Today my wing plow really made short work moving the snow berm (windrow) back another 4-5'. The snowmobile helmet helps a lot to cutting that fierce wind when combined with the low temps.

 

[tcartwri]

40 mph winds + snow pushed up into banks with a blade = a huge drifting problem.

Let the wind take most of the snow away. Plow what's left.

 

[Runner]

HP - I just came in from 2 hours of snow clearing from the storm headed your way. We didn't get as much in Kansas City as you're going to get, looks to be maybe 10 - 12 inches with some 18 inch drifts or so.

My problem is, with the 40 mph winds, I couldn't tell if the storm was over or not. It didn't appear to be "snowing" but there was so much snow blowing in the wind, I couldn't tell for sure.

Anyway, I think it was supposed to be pretty much over and I ususally like to wait until then to dig out. I'm just hoping that it doesn't all drift back in before morning because it's going to be much colder and I really don't want to have to get up early and do it all over again....

Good luck!

 

[archerynut]

We are lucking out here near Pittsburgh, just rain mostly. I would plow once in the middle to just say that I did it, and then wait until the end. The end however may be sometime in March.

 

[Sumpter]

Maybe I need a doctor, but I love being out when there is a big storm. May be non-productive but it is a blast. :thumbsup: Of course it is easier with the cab.