Ground Snow Loads for New Hampshire

Abstract : Because of New Hampshire's hilly landscape, mapped values of ground snow load are not available for much of its area. We conducted snow load case studies to establish ground snow loads for a specific elevation in each of the 259 towns in the state. That work was done by three researchers and three structural engineers practicing in New Hampshire. While our methods of analysis varied somewhat, our results were comparable and the feedback we received from each other was quite valuable. We also established a statewide elevation adjustment factor to transfer our snow load answers to other elevations in each town. We suggest that similar studies be conducted for other places in the United States where mapped values are not available because of extreme local variations in ground snow loads.