Brøytekanter

Brøytekanter, often translated as snow ridges or snow berms, are a common phenomenon in regions experiencing significant snowfall. They are formed by snowplows during the process of clearing roads and other public areas. As a snowplow moves along, it pushes snow to the sides of the cleared path. This displaced snow accumulates, creating raised banks or ridges along the edges.

The height and density of brøytekanter can vary greatly depending on the type of snow, the efficiency of the snowplow, and the frequency of plowing. In areas with heavy, wet snow, these ridges can become quite substantial and compacted. Conversely, light, powdery snow may result in less defined or more easily dispersed brøytekanter.

Brøytekanter can present various challenges. For pedestrians, they can impede access to sidewalks or create obstacles when trying to cross streets. For property owners, they may block driveways and require additional effort to clear. Motorists also need to be aware of them, as they can reduce road width and potentially cause damage to vehicles if driven over. In some cases, the accumulation of snow from brøytekanter can be so significant that it needs to be removed and transported away from the area. Efforts are often made by municipalities to manage and mitigate the impact of brøytekanter to ensure public safety and accessibility during winter months.