If you’ve spent a winter in Victor, Driggs, Tetonia, or Alta, you already know — winter here isn’t a dusting. It’s heavy, wet snow that stacks up for months, turns to ice overnight, and can crush landscaping, block driveways, or cause serious damage to your home if you’re not ready.

Shawn at ParkFab isn’t just an excavation and site work expert — he’s also your go-to guy for snow removal strategies that protect your investment all winter long. Here’s what needs to happen before the first flakes fly.

1. Plan Your Snow Storage Before the First Storm

Snow doesn’t vanish in Teton Valley — it piles. And when the county’s pushing 300+ inches a season, poor planning means you’ll run out of space fast.

Why this matters:

  • Snow piles block driveway sightlines and make pulling out dangerous.

  • Snow dumped on landscaping means crushed shrubs and broken branches.

  • Putting snow in the wrong spot now can cause spring flooding later.

Shawn’s pro tip: Before winter, walk the property with your snow removal contractor. Mark safe dump zones away from foundations, septic systems, and anything you want to protect.

2. Mark Everything That Matters — Before It’s Buried

Once that first big storm hits, your property changes. Utility boxes, septic lids, propane tanks, retaining walls — all vanish under snow.

What to mark:

  • Septic tank lids and drain field edges

  • Utility boxes, meters, and shut-offs

  • Propane tanks and fill valves

  • Garden beds, stone borders, and retaining walls

Why: This protects these areas from plows and loaders, and means you can find them without digging in sub-zero temps.

3. Protect Your Driveway & Surfaces from Plow Damage

Heavy equipment can chew up new concrete, decorative pavers, or asphalt if the wrong blade or technique is used.

Shawn’s approach:

  • Chooses the right blade material to prevent scratching

  • Adjusts plow shoes to keep blades off sensitive surfaces

  • Trains operators to avoid catching edges or seams

If you’ve invested in a high-end driveway, tell your snow removal crew. Protecting it now is cheaper than repairing it in spring.

4. Stay Ahead of Ice Buildup

Snow removal isn’t just about moving snow — it’s also about preventing dangerous ice hazards.

Shawn factors in:

  • Plowing patterns that move meltwater away from walkways and doorways

  • Drainage grading that prevents pooling

  • Safe application of ice-melt products that won’t damage your concrete or landscaping

When your snow guy understands drainage, you’re less likely to spend February skating to your mailbox.

5. Think Spring While It’s Still Winter

Every snow pile you make now will be a water source later. Where it melts matters.

Bad pile locations = bad melt outcomes:

  • Too close to your house = water against your foundation

  • On your septic drain field = delayed thaw, potential system issues

  • On landscaping = crushed plants and erosion

Shawn removes snow with spring runoff in mind — so your property drains correctly in April and May.

Bonus: Understand Snow Load Limits

Your roof, decks, and outbuildings all have snow load ratings. Too much accumulation can lead to structural damage. Shawn’s team watches for dangerous buildup and can coordinate safe removal without damaging shingles or roofing materials.

Work With Someone Who Knows the Valley

Teton Valley winters bring heavy snow, brutal freeze-thaw cycles, and narrow access roads. You need someone who understands both snow removal and site protection.

Shawn’s excavation and site work background means he’s not just clearing your driveway — he’s thinking about:

  • Drainage patterns

  • Surface protection

  • Septic system safety

  • Spring runoff management

That’s the difference between a plow driver and a true property protection partner.

📞 Call Shawn at ParkFab
208-360-2411
📧 shawn@parkfab.com