Snövall

Snövall, or snow wall, is a snowbank formed along roadsides by snowplows during winter. The term is commonly used in Sweden and other Nordic countries to describe the accumulations of compacted snow that are pushed to the side of transportation routes.

Formation and purpose

Snow is plowed from the roadway and deposited as banks on the shoulder, sometimes along guardrails or fences. The height and width of a snövall depend on snowfall, time of winter, and maintenance practices. Purposefully created snövallars help keep the driving lanes clear, reduce drifting across the road, and provide a temporary barrier against wind-driven snow. They also mark the road edge and can aid snow removal operations by concentrating snow in predictable locations.

Management and safety

Snowbanks are temporary structures that change throughout the winter. As temperatures rise, banks are often trimmed, reduced, or removed to improve visibility and access. Very high snövallar can obscure traffic signs, driveways, and sight lines, creating safety hazards for motorists and pedestrians. In some areas, excessive snow is relocated to designated dump sites or centralized storage to free up space for ongoing plowing.

Regional context

The concept and term are widespread in Sweden and neighboring Nordic countries, reflecting the standard winter maintenance practices in regions with heavy snowfall. While primarily associated with road maintenance, the term can also appear in local planning discussions regarding winter infrastructure and safety.

Etymology

Snövall is a compound of snö (snow) and vall (wall or embankment).