Cornell CALS PRO-DAIRY Dairy Environmental Systems offers guidance for heavy snow removal in two resources: Heavy Snow Loads and Do's and Don'ts for Barn Snow Removal.

Removal of significant snow accumulations off of a barn roof is best performed in a systematic way to reduce the risk of injury or death to both barn occupants and those working on the roof. Removing roof snow without a proper approach may cause more damage than if left alone in some cases by creating an unbalanced and/or concentrated roof loads.

The recent Upstate New York snow storms have dumped feet of snow causing many barns to be in danger of failure. Before accessing a barn roof, first assess the barn's current structural situation. Wood frame structures generally will provide clues that failure is interment before they fail. For a wood structure, some or all of the following audible and/or visual signs may be noticed prior to failure:

• Creaking or moaning in the building
• Bowing of truss bottom chords or compression web members
• Bowing of rafters or purlins
• Bowing of headers or columns

Note: For pre-engineered metal structures, the above list does not apply, as these structures will more likely fail without warning. 

If any of the above items are observed, then careful assessment of the situation is needed. Consider removing cows from the barn, if possible, using cab tractors and skid loaders to provide workers some level of safety. If in doubt, do not enter the barn or go on the roof. Farmers who do decide to remove snow from barn roofs must be very aware of the dangers that are present and refrain from becoming complacent after working hours on end removing snow. Below are some recommendations for removing snow from barn roofs in the form of Do's and Don'ts.

Do's and Don'ts of Barn Snow Removal