In cities like Calgary or Winnipeg, the answer to “When should we plow?” is simple—after every storm. In Vancouver, it’s more nuanced.

Our snowfall is often light but wet, unpredictable, and tightly linked to temperature swings. That makes knowing when to plow—and when it’s legally or operationally necessary—more complicated than most people think.

This guide breaks down what counts as a “plow-worthy” snow event in Vancouver, and how commercial property managers should plan around it.

Vancouver’s Snow Isn’t Like the Rest of Canada

Unlike cities with consistent sub-zero temps, Vancouver’s snow often comes in waves—melting by afternoon, refreezing by night.

This creates a high-risk window where:

• 1–2 cm of snow may seem harmless but melts into black ice overnight
• “No plow needed” quickly turns into liability exposure
• Timing matters more than accumulation

So the question isn’t just how much snow—it’s when, where, and for how long.

What Triggers a Snow Plow in Vancouver?

For commercial sites, here’s a general rule of thumb (and what we follow at Vancouver Snow Plowing):

• 1 cm – Light dusting, monitored. De-icing if temps drop overnight.
• 2–4 cm – Plow review triggered for most properties. Entrances and slopes prioritized.
• 5+ cm – Full service dispatch. Lot-wide plowing and post-snow salting.
• Any accumulation with forecast freeze – Pre-treatment recommended to avoid ice bonding.

What’s more important than the numbers? Conditions on the ground.

Why Microclimates Matter in Vancouver

Your property in Mount Pleasant might be bare pavement while another site in East Van is covered. Vancouver’s elevation, tree cover, and shadow exposure all affect how long snow lingers—and where ice forms first.

Professional plow operators monitor:

• Local weather stations
• Historical melt/freeze data
• Site-specific conditions like slope, shade, and drainage

This means your plow plan should never be “one size fits all.”

The City’s Thresholds Aren’t Yours

City of Vancouver snow response crews prioritize major routes at specific accumulation thresholds—but their standards don’t apply to private property.

If you’re managing:

• Condo developments
• Office parks
• Commercial retail plazas
• Industrial yards

You’re legally responsible for keeping surfaces safe, even with minor snow events.

How Vancouver Snow Plowing Handles Dispatch

We don’t wait for clients to call us. Our system works like this:

1. Storm forecasted? We monitor hourly and assess site needs.
2. Plow-worthy accumulation expected? We prep equipment and route timing.
3. Refreeze risk overnight? Salt is applied even if no major snowfall occurred.

You’re always covered. No guesswork. No waiting.

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Final Word: Don’t Wait for Inches. Plan for Impact.

In Vancouver, it’s not about snow depth—it’s about surface conditions, timing, and liability prevention.

If your current vendor is waiting for 5 cm to respond, you might be waiting for a lawsuit too.

Want your snow service to be based on operational logic—not outdated snowfall thresholds?

Talk to our team today.