Evaluation of ground snow loads in the micro-climate regions

The present standards for the determination of the ground snow load are inadequate in micro-climate regions that exhibit certain differences from their surroundings in terms of snowfall. In the regions where ground snow loads cannot be estimated accurately, structures may suffer serious damage. In the present study ground snow loads in the micro-climate zone in the eastern part of Turkey that receives heavy snowfall, are estimated through statistical analysis, and the results are compared with the present standards and the literature. In addition, examined were the relations for the best estimation of ground snow density which is the most important parameter for the determination of ground snow load.