The document covers the problems and characteristics of snow accumulation on roofs, including deposition, loading, patterns, and building design.

Snow loads on roofs vary widely according to geographical location (climate), site exposure, and shape of the roof. In considering snow loads on roofs, Canada can be divided into four major regions. Structural designers are well aware of the influence of snow loads on the design of buildings as in many cases they constitute the largest design load for the roof system. A careful assessment of the snow load is required, therefore, to avoid both unnecessary construction costs and undue risk of failure. (Author).