Snow Drift Challenges at KlettshÁls Mountain Road Pass in Iceland

Snow fences are usually used to control snowdrift problems on a relatively flat and open terrain. Snowdrift problems on mountain roads and passes are normally more challenging. The terrain is often more complex, winds can be stronger and other problems related to road construction have to be solved in joint action with snowdrift problems. In 2004 a road section across Klettshals in southern part of Westfjords Iceland was reopened after major reconstruction. Before the road was only open and passable in periods of good weather during wintertime. The road section is known for the heavy snowdrift problem and some previous attempts to solve the problem did not proof successful. The challenge was that one side of the road has a steep slope downhill and the opposite side is an excavated rock wall 4 to 5 m high. In 2007, an alternative method of solving the snowdrift problem was tested along a short section of the road. The result was acceptable and the year after a new permanent and robust snow fence was built. The structure functions not only as a snow fence but also as a guardrail for the road. The road is now passable in one lane closest to the fence during most weather conditions. Future plans are extension of the invented snow fence and the road authorities are considering building similar fences in eastern Iceland.