The debate between when you do, and when you don’t need snowshoes has been around since the first pair of snowshoes was conceived! I mean, why do you thing snowshoes became snowshoes? Because at some point someone felt the need for them. Now, at what point exactly they decided they needed them, we likely won’t know. But the fact of the matter is at some point they needed them, and from then on humans have been in a debate as to when that tipping point is from when you don’t need snowshoes, and when you do.
Today I want to put that debate to rest. Given the answer to the question is a large “It Depends”, but I want to go much deeper than that. I’m going to explain why it depends, as well as a specific point where snowshoes should definitely be considered. But truly there is no exact answer for every different caveat when it comes to when you need snowshoes and when you don’t. As, sometimes it is person specific. But other times it is terrain specific, to which that I can provide a specific answer.
The quick answer to “When do you need snowshoes?” Is: The biggest deciding factors as to whether or not you need snowshoes is the Depth, and Condition of the snow. A good rule of thumb is, 6 inches or more of Fresh, Powder snow make a good starting point to begin using your snowshoes. Any less than 6 inches of snow and the snowshoes don’t provide the user with much in terms of added benefit.
But will be diving deeper into why, snow depth, and snow condition is the biggest deciding factor. As well as some other factors that you should consider in terms of what could be under the snow and so forth.
Deciding When You Need Snowshoes
When it comes to deciding whether or not you need snowshoes for the current conditions outside it heavily depends on a few different factors, those include:
- Snow Depth
- Snow Condition / Density
- Atmospheric Conditions (Temperature)
Snow Depth:
The largest Deciding factor as to whether or not you need snowshoes comes down to the depth of the snow to which you intend to be hiking, walking, or running in. But the depth of the snow isn’t just taking into account the point to which the snowshoes will begin to provide you added benefit, It is also to be considered in order to protect the snowshoes so they stay free from damage.
This means that you need to consider both the depth to which the snowshoes will begin to provide any benefit, as well as the depth to which the snowshoes will not come into contact with debris such as rocks, boulders, logs and tree stumps that are hidden under the snow.
The First is easily answered: How deep does the snow need to be in order to gain any benefit from the snowshoes? Simply 6 Inches or more of fresh powder snow is a good starting point where you will begin to see added benefit of the snowshoes. Now, do keep in mind this is based on the assumption that you will be snowshoeing on a flat surface.
However, the Second is more tricky: Judging the point to which snowshoes will provide you with added benefit, but also keep the snowshoes free from damage is more difficult as the terrain under the snow can be drastically different from one place to another. Essentially at this point we are more worried about protecting the snowshoes rather than their benefit, given the fact that snowshoes provide added benefit in snow 6 Inches or more.
But if you are snowshoeing in an area with large debris under the snow you likely will need much deeper snow then 6 Inches in order to keep the snowshoes free from any damage. My personal opinion is, “Use your best judgment”. I mean if I personally am snowshoeing through a heavily wooded area where fallen over trees, and large rocks are likely to be an issue I won’t use the snowshoes unless I have at least about 1 foot to 1.5 feet of snow.
Or I’ll meticulously select the pathway to which I take in order to avoid any debris that is likely lurking under the snow. But depending on how much time you’ve spent out in the snow, judging a pathway can be difficult from time to time.
Now, I don’t mean to make it sound like snowshoes are these super fragile things that will break at the touch of a rock or log. Because truly they are quite durable for the most part. However, that being said, I assume you want you snowshoes to last a long time? In order to help them last long, you can’t be tromping over rocks…
Snow Condition / Density:
By snow condition I mean exactly that, the condition of the snow at the time you walk through it. Now, snow condition can go from fresh, powder (You know, the kind that is ideal for snowboarding, and skiing), to packed snow or ice and anything in between.
So Typically there are typically 2 reasons as to why you would need snowshoes:
- The First: Is to keep you from sinking deep into the snow. (the obvious one)
- The Second: Is to keep you from slipping on Ice or Packed snow. (If the snowshoe is equipped with crampons)
So essentially this there are 2 major benefits of snowshoes when in snow country. First: Keep you from sinking, & Second: Keep you from slipping.
Based on the Diagram above the closer you get to “Powder Snow” the more you will begin to rely on snowshoes for Flotation (Keep you from sinking), and the closer you get to “Ice” the more you will begin to rely on snowshoes for Traction (Keep you from slipping). Also, notice that Red out section in the diagram above. That demonstrates the condition of the snow that one is likely to not need snowshoes.
Though they can be worn when in this condition of snow, they aren’t a requirement like they are at the other ends of the spectrum.
Now, do keep in mind this is all based on if you are to be using modern snowshoes that are equipped with a crampon to provide the user traction. Some modern snowshoes, as well as traditional wooden snowshoes typically are not equipped with a crampon. This basically eliminates the snowshoes ability to provide traction for the user. If you are going to be using a pair of snowshoes that do not have crampons or ice cleats built into the snowshoes then you likely will have to rely on using a pair of crampons that are seperate from the snowshoes, that mount to the bottom of the users snow boots. Such as These!
Atmospheric Conditions (Temperature)
If you are going snowshoeing in an area that receives drastic temperature change throughout the day, this can cause the condition of the snow to change quickly over a short period of time. For example, Say last night your area got 2.5 feet of snow during the night. (it is now 5pm in the afternoon, and the sun has been out all throughout the day with the outside temperature reaching upwards of 45 degrees midday.
This will cause the top layer of the snow to begin melting. Now given that it is 5:00 pm in this example, the temperature is going to begin heading back down likely hitting 25 degrees throughout the night. Well, given that the Atmospheric conditions changed so drastically the next morning when you wake up the snow will likely have a thick icyish layer, and below it will be powder. Now depending on the excessiveness of the atmospheric temperature change you could have a thick enough top layer of icy snow that you could actually walk on it without requiring snowshoes.
Essentially it is the same concept of an Ice covered lake. The top layer of the snow is acting like the Ice, and the powdery snow underneath is acting as the water. Though this does run along the same lines as the above factor “Snow Conditions”, but snow conditions more refers to the impact of others to a degree. Where as Changing Atmospheric conditions is more related to the natural aspect of it.
Conclusion
To finish it off, when it comes to deciding whether or not you should take your snowshoes? The biggest factor to consider is the depth of the snow. I mean, if the snow isn’t much deeper than a few inches its likely the snowshoes aren’t providing you much added benefit then what you would receive if you simply were to hike in your snowshoes. That being said, 6 inches or deeper typically is a good point to start considering whether or not using your snowshoes will be effective.
If im walking on a flat trail that is typically dirt or pavement under the snow then 6 Inches or more is a great starting point. However, if you are going to be snowshoeing in an area where there is a high likelihood of debris being under the snow such as Rocks, Locks, Stumps… Then I prefer to have anywhere from 1 foot to 2 feet depending on the feel of the terrain under the snow.
Now, the second major factor to consider is the condition of the snow. If your going to be walking on packed snow then the odds of you needing snowshoes is likely quit slim. However, many modern snowshoes come equipped with crampons / Ice cleats. These help the user gain traction on pack snow and ice. If you’ve got a pair of snowshoes with crampons they can definitely provide the added benefit of traction when crossing icy spots.
And of course if your going to be in snow that is fresh or powdery, that is also 6 Inches deep or more snowshoes are likely going to provide you with added benefit.
I Hope you were able to find some value here! If you have any other questions about snowshoeing be sure to check out the Outdoor Luxuriez Snowshoeing Lounge for further information regarding snowshoeing.
This Is Colt Signing Off!
Recommended Resources:
If your going to be snowshoeing in deep Powdery snow, be sure to check out my article 12 Tips To Make Snowshoeing In Deep Snow Easier!