The short answer: Snow usually weighs between 50 and 500 kilograms per cubic meter (about 3 to 31 lb per cubic foot), depending on how dry or wet it is. Light powder sits near the low end, while dense wet snow can be several times heavier.
Snow weight by type
Snow's weight varies enormously with its water content and how compacted it is. Fresh powder is mostly air, while wet or packed snow holds much more water.
| Snow type (example) | Approximate weight per cubic meter |
|---|---|
| Fresh dry powder | about 50-100 kg |
| Settled snow | about 200-300 kg |
| Wet, heavy snow | about 350-500 kg |
| Compacted / old snowpack | about 400-600 kg |
What affects snow weight
- Water content. Wetter snow holds more liquid water and weighs more.
- Compaction. Packed or settled snow is far denser than fresh powder.
- Temperature. Snow near freezing tends to be wetter and heavier.
- Age. Older snow settles and compresses, raising its density.
- Crystal structure. Light powder traps lots of air, lowering weight.
- Depth. Deeper snow on a roof or area multiplies the total load.
How snow weight compares
A square meter of wet snow just 30 centimeters deep can weigh over 100 kilograms, more than an average adult, which is why heavy snow can collapse roofs.
Frequently asked questions
Why is wet snow so much heavier than powder?
Wet snow contains far more liquid water and less trapped air than dry powder, so the same volume holds several times more mass.
How much does snow on a roof weigh?
It depends on depth and type, but wet snow can exceed 100 kilograms per square meter at moderate depths, posing a real structural risk.
How do you estimate snow's weight?
Multiply the snow's volume by its density, which ranges from about 50 kilograms per cubic meter for powder to 500 or more for wet, packed snow.
