How often should I clear snow from my driveway during a storm?

Driveway clearing frequency during active snowstorms balances accessibility maintenance against practical efficiency and physical demands. Understanding optimal intervals prevents excessive accumulation while avoiding wasteful premature clearing.

Clear snow every 4-6 inches during heavy storms to prevent accumulation from becoming too heavy and difficult to move. Progressive clearing maintains manageable snow depths allowing efficient equipment operation compared to single sessions confronting 12-18+ inches of compacted snow. Each interim pass removes moderate volumes, and preventing compression from accumulated weight reduces final clearing difficulty. Additionally, clearing 4-6 inches multiple times proves physically easier than single attempts removing deep heavy accumulation in one effort.

For lighter snowfall producing total depths under 6 inches, wait until the storm ends unless you need immediate vehicle access. Clearing during active light precipitation proves inefficient as continued snowfall quickly re-covers recently cleared surfaces, essentially requiring duplicate work without meaningful benefit. Monitor weather forecasts to gauge total expected accumulation, planning interim clearing for major storms while accepting single post-storm sessions for modest events.

Immediate vehicle access needs may necessitate clearing regardless of ongoing snowfall when departure cannot await storm completion. However, maintaining continuously bare pavement during heavy active precipitation requires nearly continuous effort proving impractical for most homeowners. Consider whether partial clearing creating vehicle access paths suffices temporarily rather than attempting complete driveway clearing during ongoing storms. This compromise approach provides essential functionality while conserving energy for comprehensive final clearing after precipitation ends.

Strategic timing during storm lulls between precipitation bands optimizes clearing efficiency. Weather radar and forecasts often reveal temporary breaks between successive snow bands allowing efficient clearing windows. Work during these lulls permits productive clearing without immediate re-accumulation negating effort. Final comprehensive clearing should occur after storms definitively end, addressing any areas missed during interim work and ensuring thorough ice control preventing overnight refreezing.