Snow Drifts in the Driveway
Posted on 08. Jan, 2009 by Laura-Jane - Whimfield in House, Outdoors
The never-ending snow that builds up in our driveway has been downright depressing over the past week.
After the recent blizzard, Cameron began blowing the driveway out with our little pushable snow-blower. He certainly wasn’t making much headway, strong as he is.
In the distance we heard a powerful noise. Lo and behold, our neighbour was making his way up our driveway in his tractor–blowing the three-foot snow drifts out as he came. We smiled. We cheered. We were very happy with this turn of events. While our snowblower is tiny, our neighbour’s snowblower is huge.
Our neighbour made several passes up our driveway. When he was done, our driveway was pristinely passable.
We talked a little shop, thanked him, and we all parted ways.
The snow had stopped coming down, and we thought that was that. Driveway dealt with!
Well, the snow had stopped. But the wind hadn’t.
Because of the lay of the land and the way the trees line our driveway, our driveway is the devil. Just as soon as we blow the driveway clear, the wind pushes the snow right back in again.
It’s kind of like one of those trick birthday candles… As soon as you blow the candle out, the flame comes back to life again.
And so it has been with our driveway over the past few days.
Before we can leave the property, Cameron must blow the driveway for hours on end because of the snow drifts that cover the driveway–even when it isn’t snowing. On occasion, our kindly neighbour will shake his head, smile, and bring in the big guns to set us straight again.
We realize that we need a tractor of our own, and that will come.
Today, the temperature warmed up, which made the snow heavier…so now it doesn’t blow across the driveway. But this past week has been trying. I think I’ll go and read my lovely post, “Why Snow Is Like a Good Friend” to remind myself to take deep breaths and smile. (Did I write that? Sheesh. Such starry-eyes!)
The good thing is that the snow isn’t always so light and fluffy. And it isn’t always so windy, so the entire winter shouldn’t be like this. (Right? I’m right, aren’t I?)
Andy Collier
Jan 8th, 2009
Try putting up some snow fencing, you should be able to get some in Montague (That orange mesh looking stuff).
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 8th, 2009
Snow fence is definitely a good idea. We have discussed this, but decided against it for a variety of reasons. Primarily because we’d need a ton of it, it isn’t cheap, and because of how the land lies it’d be a big job to put it up. Right now we’re focusing more on the tractor. Besides, driving a tractor around sounds way more fun that putting up fencing. :P
christy
Jan 8th, 2009
i thought of a better idea yet!! (and it is way more fun than a fence OR a tractor). leave your car at the end of the drive and snowmobile up to the house :). haha.
CWJ
Jan 8th, 2009
A dilemma, isn’t it, Laura-Jane? Our 1000ft lane also seems to catch every grain of snow and ice that blows off the 20 acre fields that border it to the west and east. Down here on the Shore Road the wind is pretty much a constant companion, so keeping the lane clear is well-nigh impossible. My war on this front continues until the snow disappears in April, and every day I must decide whether (1) it’s worth it to expend all that time, effort and diesel to clear it out, and (2) I can get back from town or the library — the main reasons why I usually need to clear it — before what I’ve blown out refills. For many in similar situations, the hard answer is to park one’s vehicle down at the road, and snowshoe down to it. You see that strategy playing out all over the Island. But I agree with Andy about the snow fencing…even a little stretch of it would help you out, and it’s a whole lot cheaper than a tractor and snowblower…
jypsy
Jan 8th, 2009
A shot of part of my 400 yard long lane, blown in after being blown out, as I walked out it Monday morning at sunrise.
Our neighbour’s tractor & blower is huger than yours :)
And my husband does his best, between the neighbour’s visits, to keep it clear with “the tank”, outfitted with a homemade plowing blade (it also serves as our wood hauler).
This winter lane clearing is a fairly recent luxury though. We have a ‘72 Skidoo that has hauled many loads of groceries and my babies… toddlers…children… (in a little homemade sled pulled behind). There have been many loads of groceries (and kids) hauled in on wooden toboggans too, (and metal and plastic…).
And then there’s mud season when we sometimes still have to resort to dragging groceries in on a toboggan up the muddy lane or across the not-as-muddy field…
Isn’t Island life wonderful…. :)
LJ
Jan 8th, 2009
Are you SURE you don’t miss the rain??
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 8th, 2009
@Christy – I completely agree. I have proposed the “Let’s just park at the bottom of the driveway for the love of mary” solution, to which Cameron scoffs and scoffs again. He’s not here to defend himself (he’s curling at the curling rink!), but I’m sure he’ll weigh in shortly on this one… :P This is a touchy subject in our house-hold these days. :) I’ve never ridden a snowmobile before. On our cross-Canada trip I almost asked someone to give me a ride around a parking lot, but I chickened out.
@CWJ – I was talking to Cameron about the length of your lane today, actually, and I guessed that it was “one and a third” the size of ours, if that makes sense. But at 1000ft that’s even longer than I imagined! I think ours is 400 ft. What is the saying, “But it’s a mile if it’s a foot?”
@Jypsy – Your lane looks a lot like ours in terms of being lined with trees on one side. I think it’s the trees that are causing such drifting, because it slows the wind down, right? That tank looks like something to be reckoned with!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 8th, 2009
@LJ – I am feeling conflicted! Lol. Hmm, well, no, I love it all. Rain, sleet, snow, whatever! I am back to feeling all Suzy Sunshine again (now that we’ve had 24-drift-free hours) :)
jypsy
Jan 8th, 2009
@Laura-Jane – The trees are one issue (they run north-south), the 20 acre field to the west is another as is the fact that the lane is lower than the field.
Looks like I’m winning the “longest lane” contest….
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 8th, 2009
@Jypsy – Hehe, “winning” and “losing” are all relative when it comes to this topic. :)
Kim
Jan 8th, 2009
After what you’ve written about your driveway, Laura-Jane, I won’t complain so much about ours.
It’s 800 feet long but it only drifts in one or two spots depending on wind direction. My husband built the driveway and elevated most of it – this seems to keep it clear. Even after the blizzard, our driveway was mostly clear of snow except for those two small areas.
Incredibly, we didn’t have to dust off any snow from our car (nor have we ever had to)! Obviously, that area magically repels snow!
HOWEVER, we did have a seven-foot drift pressed up against our front door.
Our neighbors GAVE us their tractor and snow-blower to use all winter so long as we cleared their long driveway as well. Score!
Kerry
Jan 8th, 2009
When we moved here I was amazed at the amount of equipment we had to accumulate just to survive here. Hmm. Snowblower, generator, pellet stove… and then there were the things we had to learn about, oil stove, air exchanger, septic tank, well… We have learned a lot! And there is still more!
Gardening in a different climate, dealing with the wind, how to find a doctor, and a myriad of other mysteries. We’re having fun figuring it all out and before long, we will be helping other newbies with our knowledge.
We are grateful we are able to have these experiences. Great adventure brings great challenges and great joy.
Anonymous
Jan 8th, 2009
wow. um yeah, im sorry! my father had a tractor growing up in nova scotia-although as a “learning experience” my brother and i had to shovel out the entire long thing regularly as well. you get used to it??? a tractor, or plow on a truck is essential when living there. until then, think happy thoughts!
Paul
Jan 9th, 2009
Those people are nuts!
Andrea >> Become a consultant
Jan 9th, 2009
When I lived in Ottawa, people asked how I could stand the weather in Vancouver. “You don’t have to shovel rain,” I replied.
jypsy
Jan 9th, 2009
@Laura-Jane – that’s a symptom of my hopeless optimism!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 9th, 2009
@Kim – A 7-foot drift! That’s nuts. Re: your neighbours giving you the tractor as long as you do their driveway too, your neighbours are very wise. :) Do you think if I give someone a box of cleaning supplies they’ll come and clean my house? :)
@Kerry – “Great adventure brings great challenges and great joy.” I couldn’t agree more. The other day we were just discussing what it was like last year around this time for us. We couldn’t turn the water on in the house because it would freeze in the pipes, and now we have running water all the time whenever we want it. I remember when we turned the water on for the first time. We were dancing around like maniacs; we got such joy from running water.
@Anon – Aah, “learning experiences.” I guess it’s true, struggles make you stronger. But that being said, I have definitely had some learning experiences that I would rather have done without. Happy thoughts are good!
@Paul – Who?! All of us?! Perhaps you’re right. Paul, do you live somewhere tropical…or maybe the west coast?
@Andrea – Yes, this is true. But at the same time, there’s way more sunshine and brightness here that makes it a lot less depressing. To each their own!
@Jypsy – I love it! Touche. :)
warren
Jan 9th, 2009
It looks like the fella on the tractor is wearing a motorcycle helmet…does he have it souped up for racing too?!
Jen
Jan 9th, 2009
Hi there. I feel your pain about the driveway. Luckily we got a tractor the second year here on the farm and are able to clear it out mostly with the bucket as we do not have a blower. Winters on the Island can be beautiful and very annoying!!! Better get used to it!! But before you know it spring will be here and if your driveway is anything like ours you’ll be cursing the mud and muck!! Until then I hope you are able to avoid the windy days and the drifting.
jen
Michelle
Jan 10th, 2009
Hi Laura-Jane,
I feel your pain. Our first winter here in NB was a mild one and we thought we’d get away with just the use of a shovel. Little did we know that we were perfectly lined up for major snow drifts at the end of our driveway. A neighbour came by with his big tractor and blower when he took pity on us as we tried to shovel our way through 4 ft drifts. It was then we decided on a heavy duty blower. Last winter was a killer! The snow banks were piled over 6 ft high along our driveway and drifts were up to 4 ft at times. Fortunately, our double wide driveway is only about 50 ft so we’re not too overwhelmed. This year has been easy…. no big drifts as the strong winds have worked in our favour thus far. Our roof didn’t fare so well, though. We lost some shingles but I’ve been told by several people that they did too. That first blizzard was a doozie!
As for the sunshine, I’m in agreement with you. Much brighter and sunnier here than the West. I don’t miss the rain at all, nor many other things.
I’ve seen people putting snow fences up here and I don’t think they do much at all. I just look at them as we’re driving by and laugh. How bout lining both sides of your lane with trees? You’re young and by the time you’re too old to deal with the snow, the tree lined lane will be mature. :P
Gary Gray
Jan 10th, 2009
Welcome to winter on the Island
Wow did you get comments on that post. Yes it has been an age old problem, these driveways (lanes) on PEI. Over the years many people have used the park at the road method and use a toboggan or hand sleigh to ferry groceries, children and such back and forth. Then came the snowmobile and it replaced the sleigh. Then tractors with blowers became the preferred method to clear the snow. (either contract out or own your own) In recent years snow accumulation has not been anywhere like the old days. (1960’s) (snow used to come by mid to late November and stay till late April and into May) Snow on the level could easily accumulate to 4 to 5 feet and drifts that reached the tops of telephone poles were not uncommon. January and February were generally the coldest with temps hovering around -10F and quite often dipping to -40F over night during those months. The most recent innovation has been to build up the lane to give the wind a chance to blow any snow clear and leave (for the most part) a snow free lane. So depending on your budget and whether or not you want trees lining your lane these have been the most popular solutions. The snow fence solution has been tried but I have never seen any that have actually worked. (but maybe they have)
There you have it, just a little blast from the past (forgive the pun)
Also check out this blog post for picture of train stuck in snow near Murray Harbour.
http://hiddenislandparadise.blogspot.com/
Now “spring mud” that’s a whole other story.
Smiles and a wink ;o)
Gary
Colin
Jan 10th, 2009
We were storm stayed in Borden for 20 hours during the blizzard. We lived in an ESSO. we met some great people though! Once we finally made it home at 9am on January 2, we had snow drifts just as deep! Took us 2 days to finally dig out using a big scoop! I love the Maritimes!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 10th, 2009
@Warren – He is an adventuresome guy, so I wouldn’t put it past him! :)
@Jen – I’m glad that we’re not the only ones who didn’t have a tractor the first year. Yes, mud and muck, mud and muck, we have experienced that indeed. In spring, if we’re expecting a visitor, at the end of the phone call I usually say, “Oh, and by the way, um, our driveway is a little….um…muddy, so…just be aware of that.” Oh! and Jen, I have read your blog, but for some reason didn’t ever stumble across your website. Here’s more about Jen because they are young PEI farmers, which is–in my experience, anyway–rather rare! http://peistuffonline.com/jdcfarm/index.php?tab=about
@Michelle – Aren’t neighbours great for helping out? I am consistently amazed at the generosity and positivity of our neighbours. Re: snow fences, I remember when we arrived on PEI about a year ago, I was transfixed by the snow fences–”What are those things?” I asked myself. Slowly but surely over time I have had many “ahha” moments as I figure things out. (I don’t even want to tell our “ditch story” where we learned the hard way that–in winter–ditches along side of the road are not as they appear. Um. I’ll leave it at that, for now. Hmm…potential blog entry in future on that topic if I can swallow my pride and tell that story.)
@Gary – I am consistently flabbergasted at what it must have been to live here in the past. I am so amazed at the strength, hard work, and tolerance for cold that people must have had to become accustomed to. I truly am humbled when I think about what people have gone through. As mentioned, our house is about 100 years old and another neighbour recently loaned us an autobiographical book written by a woman who used to live in our house. More on that to come in a future post I’m sure, but it’s just mind-boggling to think of the difference between then and now. For anyone interested in PEI history and snow, read Gary’s entry: http://hiddenislandparadise.blogspot.com/2009/01/big-snow-in-old-days.html
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 10th, 2009
@Colin – What?! This is crazy! You didn’t actually stay in an Esso for 20 hours??
Michelle
Jan 10th, 2009
I did a little research on snow fences. They do work but not always in your favour as the winds can cause more havoc if they aren’t going in the direction that makes them effective and many of our blizzards this year have been coming from the west and northwest. We’re accustomed to nor’easters, I do believe. Here’s a copy/paste of some facts I found.
Snow fences are intended for several purposes. All of these rely on the fact that snow fences cause snow to drift down wind of them thus either collecting water in a place it is wanted or preventing snow from piling where it is not wanted. They are used in many places and interestingly they are also used on the sea shore to cause dunes to form where they are wanted or to control the progress of sand into areas where it is not wanted. So when you go to the seacoast you will see the same thing.
How they work is quite simple. Whenever the wind goes over a fence or wall it forms an eddy current behind the wall. This is a rolling wind current that flows downward and back to the back side of the fence. Thus it causes fast and slow places to develop in the wind. It makes a drift form in front of the fence on the windward side.
This empties the air of snow before it crosses the road. It also causes fast air to form, as it is drawn downward, a little farther away so that it blows the snow away from that area. All of these devices rely on the fact that the wind that deposits the material you want to control is nearly always coming from the same direction. In the Colorado area the winter snows blow mostly from one direction. On the beach the prevailing winds are mostly from one direction too. So the builder of the fence can plan their effects by merely placing the fence.
So actually they don’t stop the snow from blowing across the road, they pile it along side and like a leaf blower they blow any snow off the road.
Natalie
Jan 10th, 2009
I totally feel your pain and you have all my sympathy. I made it all the way up our laneway the other day, during a snowstorm, and promptly impaled our little car on a giant drift I hadn’t seen.
We pay someone with a huge tractor and blower to do our laneway, and it’s frustrating when it all drifts back in. Snow-fencing is a good idea!
Laura-Jane - Whimfield
Jan 11th, 2009
@Michelle – Thanks for looking into the snow fencing! That’s interesting that they use the fencing at beaches, as well. Come to think of it, I believe I’ve seen some fencing at some local beaches, if I’m not mistaken.
@Natalie – Lol, if it’s not one thing, it’s another….
Michelle
Jan 12th, 2009
I had a thought about long driveways and dealing with the plowing of huge mounds of snow that I’d like to share.
When/if finances permit, get a 4 wheeler equipped with a blower or plow and build a nice sized garage to house your vehicle and whatnots near the END of your lane (as in close to the main road). Use the 4 wheeler for clearing the snow only from the garage to the road. Drive the 4 wheeler back and forth to the house a few times to make a walkable path or just drive the 4 wheeler from garage to the house making sure it’s equipped with means of hauling groceries and things. Problem solved. :0P