Falling Ice and Snow

Falling Ice & Snow Risk Assessments

Protecting pedestrians, property, and public spaces from winter hazards.

Falling ice and snow pose significant safety risks in cold climates—especially around tall buildings, podium roofs, canopies, and public pathways. At Gnobi Consulting Inc., we help architects, planners, and developers identify these risks early and implement effective mitigation strategies that keep people safe and meet municipal requirements.

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Why Falling Ice & Snow Matters

Wind, temperature changes, and freeze–thaw cycles can cause:

• Ice shedding from sloped or metal roofs

• Snow sliding from façade projections

• Icicle formation around ledges and drains

• Ice accumulation on podium and terrace edges

• Hazards to sidewalks, building entrances, and outdoor amenity areas

Many municipalities require ice-shedding analysis for tall buildings, especially at the land use planning application stage of the project. In addition to these regulatory requirements, it is also considered good design practice to proactively assess and mitigate falling ice and snow risks to ensure year-round public safety.

Our assessments help ensure your design protects the public while meeting regulatory expectations.

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What We Evaluate

✓ Roof Geometry & Material Behaviour

We analyze how snow and ice interact with:

• Sloped roof assemblies

• Metal and glass surfaces

• Architectural projections

• Balcony edges

• Mechanical penthouses

✓ Pedestrian Exposure & Safety Zones

We evaluate the likelihood of ice or snow landing in:

• Entrances and building access points

• Sidewalks and public walkways

• Drop-off zones

• Transit interfaces

• Amenity terraces and rooftop spaces

✓ Wind & Freeze–Thaw Effects

We assess environmental factors that contribute to shedding:

• Prevailing wind directions

• Solar exposure

• Thermal bridging

• Drainage and meltwater pathways

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What We Provide

✓ Ice & Snow Shedding Hazard Assessment

A clear, defensible review that identifies:

• Potential shedding sources

• Shedding trajectories

• Impact zones at grade

• Areas requiring mitigation

✓ Recommended Mitigation Strategies

We offer practical, design-friendly solutions including:

• Snow guards and retention hardware

• Heated roof assemblies

• Modified roof slopes

• Parapet adjustments

• Protective canopies or overhangs

• Pathway realignment or restricted zones

✓ Submission-Ready Reporting

Our reports align with municipal expectations.

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Who Benefits From This Assessment

• Architects designing tall or mid-rise buildings

• Developers with winter-exposed podium roofs

• Municipal reviewers requiring ice-risk evaluations

• Structural engineers seeking coordinated mitigation measures

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Related Services

Enhance your project’s performance with our complementary microclimate services:

• Pedestrian Wind Studies

• Wind Engineering

• Snow Drifting Assessments

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Ready to Reduce Winter Safety Risks?

We’ve helped clients across Ontario and North America design buildings that are safer, more resilient, and compliant with municipal expectations.

📞 (519) 400-4996
📧 contact@gnobiconsulting.com

➡️ Contact Us to get started.