The Complete Guide To Safe And Effective Snow Shoveling: Techniques For Every Type Of Snowfall

Why You Need To Put Cooking Spray On Your Shovel

There's nothing quite like watching snow begin to fall, especially during the beginning of the winter season. Perhaps you pour yourself a hot chocolate and sit by the window, admiring the silent landscape the snow slowly transforms. At some point, however, the other shoe drops, and you remember that winter's beauty comes with a price ... the inevitable task of snow removal.

But not all snow is created equal, and your shoveling strategy should adapt accordingly. Understanding the difference between wet and dry snow, and adjusting your technique to suit the job ahead of you can save your back, protect your health and make the task far more manageable.

Before we begin, however, here's a word of advice from weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Erdman, who lives in Wisconsin and is no stranger to dealing with snow. After shoveling out from Winter Storm Bellamy last weekend, Erdman writes: "I did (re)learn one thing with Bellamy: Eventually, even shoveling 10 inches of fluffy, dry snow becomes too heavy for most. I used a snowthrower for most of it, but the area where my snowthrower wouldn't go (back patio) was quite a slog."

In other words, remember your limits, and keep in mind that big snowfall totals may require a different approach than usual.

Identifying Wet vs. Dry Snow: Know What You're Working With

Before you even grab your shovel, take a moment to assess the snow you're facing. The type of snow will dictate your entire approach.

Dry Snow Characteristics:

• Light and powdery texture
• Easy to blow around with wind
• Temperature typically below 20°F when it fell
• Sparkles in sunlight and doesn't stick together easily
• Makes a crunching sound underfoot

Wet Snow Characteristics:

• Heavy and dense texture
• Sticks together when compressed
• Temperature close to or above freezing when it fell
• Appears more translucent and doesn't sparkle as much
• Packs easily into snowballs

The simple test: Pick up a handful of snow. If it crumbles and falls apart, it's dry. If it holds together or feels heavy in your hand, you're dealing with wet snow.

Tackling Dry Snow: Pushing Is Key

Dry snow is your friend when it comes to efficient removal. Its light weight means you can move larger volumes with less strain on your body. As weather.com senior digital meteorologist Jonathan Belles puts it, "With less moisture, this fluff lifts very easily. Still, don't let 2 feet pile up, but this snow can wait a little while."

Best Techniques For Dry Snow:

Push, Don't Lift: Use a wide pusher shovel and simply push the snow to the sides of your driveway or walkway.

Work In Strips: Clear your driveway in parallel strips, pushing snow consistently to one side.

Time It Right: Clear dry snow soon after it falls—the longer it sits, the more likely it is to compact or develop an icy layer underneath..

Equipment Choice: A wide, curved pusher shovel or snow pusher is ideal for dry snow. The larger surface area lets you move more snow with each pass.

Shoveling Wet Snow: Strategy Over Strength

Wet snow demands respect. A single shovelful can weigh 15-20 pounds or more, making technique crucial for preventing injury. Meteorologist Belles warns, "Shoveling heavy, wet snow isn't just back-breaking — it can be deadly. Not-so-affectionately known as heart attack snow, the density and weight of this snow can cause your heart, muscles and respiratory systems to go into overdrive when shoveling a lot of it."

Best Techniques For Wet Snow:

Smaller Bites: Take smaller amounts with each scoop — your back will thank you.

Lift With Your Legs: Bend at the knees, not the waist, and use your leg muscles to power the lift.

Stay Close: Keep the shovel close to your body to minimize back strain.

Divide And Conquer: Break large accumulations into manageable sections.

Equipment Choice: A smaller, straight-handled shovel gives you better control with heavy, wet snow. Consider a shovel with a curved handle to reduce bending.

Mastering Driveway Clearing: A Strategic Approach

Your driveway is likely the largest area you'll need to clear, making strategy essential for efficiency and safety.

The Optimal Driveway Technique:

Start Early And Often: Begin clearing when 2-3 inches have accumulated, rather than waiting for the storm to end.

Clear The Apron First: Always start by clearing the area where your driveway meets the street — this prevents you from getting blocked in. However, as Erdman warns, "Before you clear the apron of your driveway, check to make sure the snowplow isn’t about to go down your street, or wait until after it clears your area, or you'll have to do it twice, or more."

Work From The Middle Out: Start at the center of your driveway and push snow toward both edges.

Create Strategic Piles: Designate specific areas for snow storage that won't block sight lines or create drainage problems.

Safety First: Protecting Your Health While Shoveling

Snow shoveling can be hard on your health. In fact, according to data compiled by the Consumer Product Safety Division, shoveling the white stuff sends more than 11,000 people to emergency rooms each year. Here's how to avoid becoming a part of this number:

Before You Begin:

Warm up with 5-10 minutes of light stretching.

Dress in layers to avoid overheating.

Stay hydrated, as cold air can mask dehydration.

Consider your health conditions. Those with heart problems should consult their doctor first.

While Shoveling:

Take breaks every 15-20 minutes.

Listen to your body. Chest pain, shortness of breath, or dizziness means stop immediately.

Maintain good posture: keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

Avoid throwing snow over your shoulder, as this twisting motion is a common cause of injury.

Technique Reminders:

Keep the shovel blade close to your body.

Turn your whole body rather than twisting your spine.

If you must lift, do it slowly and smoothly, using no jerky movements.

Consider using a spray lubricant or cooking spray on your shovel blade to prevent sticking.

When to Call for Help

Sometimes the best shoveling strategy is knowing when not to shovel. Consider professional help or assistance if:

You have heart conditions, back problems, or other health concerns.

The snowfall exceeds 6 inches of wet snow or 12 inches of dry snow.

Ice has formed under the snow, creating hazardous conditions.

You're feeling overwhelmed or exhausted.

As Erdman notes, "Don’t be afraid to hire some help, whether a snow-removal service or someone in the community. If this task is becoming too much for you, it’s money well spent."

The Bottom Line

Effective snow removal is about working smarter, not harder. By identifying your snow type, choosing the right technique, and prioritizing safety, you can turn this winter chore from a dreaded task into a manageable part of your seasonal routine. Remember: No driveway is worth a trip to the emergency room. When in doubt, take your time, take breaks and don't hesitate to ask for help.

Stay safe, stay warm, and remember ... spring will come eventually.

What are your go-to snow shoveling tips and techniques? Let us know in the comment section below!

Senior writer Chris DeWeese edits Morning Brief, The Weather Channel’s newsletter.