The Hidden Risks Of Shoveling Snow

Shoveling snow may feel like a routine winter chore that's nothing more than annoying and tiring, but hardly dangerous. According to meteorologist Caitlin Kaiser, that assumption can be a costly mistake.

“It actually can be pretty risky because the weight of snow can vary pretty drastically,” Kaiser said. The danger comes down to something many people never think about: not all snow weighs the same.

Kaiser explained that snow’s weight depends on its snow ratio, or “the ratio of snow to water in the snow.” While people often picture snow as powdery and fluffy and light, "some snow is actually quite heavy, and so that heavier snow obviously poses much more risks when you're shoveling a lot of it,” she said.

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Most people are aware of the more obvious risks, like sore backs and aching muscles, but Kaiser warns the most serious dangers are often hidden.

“We actually nickname wet, heavy snow 'heart attack snow' because there's been so many cases of people having cardiac events after shoveling this type of snow," she notes.

(MORE: Five Snow Facts You May Not Know)

Cold weather plays a major role in increasing that risk. “Cold temperatures actually constrict your blood vessels, and then that heavy snow causes your heart muscles and your respiratory system to go into overdrive,” Kaiser explained.

Certain storms should raise red flags before you even pick up a shovel. “You're going to want to pay attention to what kind of temperature it was outside when that snow is falling,” Kaiser said. “Warmer air can hold more moisture, which is going to make the snow heavier and wetter, which will make it more difficult to shovel.”

On the flip side, colder storms can reduce (though not eliminate) the risk. “That air can hold less moisture, so the snow will be drier, more powdery, and likely easier to shovel,” she said.

(MORE: How Cold Weather Impacts An Athlete’s Training)

Kaiser emphasized that safety starts before picking up a shovel. “Just do a simple warm-up, do some stretches before you go outside,” she said. “Make sure to dress in layers so if you start to get warm, you can shed some of those.”

Hydration is another overlooked factor. “Cold temperatures often mask dehydration because you don't really think about how thirsty you are, but you are still getting dehydrated during that activity,” Kaiser said.

Above all, she said, awareness can save lives. “Make sure you're listening to your body, so know your health conditions, know how you're feeling on any given day, and make sure to ask for help when you need it.”

When it comes to winter weather, Kaiser’s message is clear: all that snow may look harmless, but experts (and now you!) know better.