Snow and ice management is a critical service, ensuring safety and accessibility for businesses, residents and public areas. One common element in snow management contracts is the “trigger depth,” a specified snow accumulation threshold that determines when services such as plowing and salt applications are initiated. While this system may seem straightforward, it often introduces significant confusion, especially regarding when to apply salt.
I want to offer a perspective on why trigger depths should be removed from snow management contracts and advocate for a more flexible, safety-oriented approach. We are, after all, experts in the delivery of snow and ice services and should be able to decide how and when to deliver these services, especially when we are asked to hold liability for the outcomes.
A trigger depth is typically defined as a specific measurement of snow accumulation that must be reached before services are initiated. The intention is to standardize delivery of service and (most often) control costs. However, weather conditions are rarely so predictable or uniform. Snowfall can be light but persistent, mixed with ice, or accompanied by freezing rain—all of which can create hazardous conditions long before the trigger depth is reached.
For example, a contract may specify salt application only after one inch of snow has accumulated. If there is a dusting of snow combined with freezing rain, the surface can become dangerously slick even though the trigger depth has not been met. In such cases, waiting for the specified accumulation can lead to slip-and-fall accidents, vehicle collisions, and liability issues for property owners and providers.
Even in scenarios where the trigger is defined only to initiate plowing, it may be better to scrape the surface and apply less salt to achieve a safer surface. This can also reduce the amount of salt used, which is better for the environment.
Salt is a preventive and corrective measure used to reduce ice formation and improve traction on sidewalks, parking lots, and roadways. The timing of its application is crucial for effectiveness and safety. Trigger depths complicate this process. Contractors may hesitate to apply salt if the snow has not reached the contractually agreed threshold, even when conditions clearly warrant it. This leads to confusion, delays and potential harm.
Clients may also misunderstand the contract terms, expecting salt to be applied whenever icy conditions arise, regardless of snow depth. The disconnect between contract language and real-world needs often results in disputes, dissatisfaction and increased risk. Ultimately, trigger depths are an imperfect metric for determining when salt should be used, as they do not account for the full spectrum of winter weather hazards.
Instead of relying on trigger depths, contracts should specify that salt will be applied when surfaces are icy or when weather forecasts predict freezing conditions. This approach allows for proactive service that prioritizes safety and minimizes risk. Contracts should also include clear communication protocols, such as regular weather monitoring and updates to clients about service actions.
Service providers can enhance decision-making through the use of technology, such as real-time weather data, surface temperature sensors, and predictive analytics. These tools help determine the optimal timing for salt application, ensuring effective results without waiting for arbitrary snow accumulation.
Trigger depths in snow management contracts are outdated and often counterproductive, especially when it comes to salt applications. By removing these arbitrary thresholds and focusing on actual conditions and the provider’s expertise, contractors and clients can work together to enhance safety, reduce confusion, and ensure effective winter weather management. The result is a more responsive, transparent, and reliable system that protects people and property throughout the winter season.
Advantages of removing trigger depths
Eliminating trigger depths from snow management contracts offers several key benefits:
David Gallagher is principal for Spiritus Business Advisors. He has over 25 years of experience as a senior service-oriented leader on all aspects of property service. Contact him at david@spiritusba.com.