How Much Snow Triggers a Driveway Plow Visit?

3 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

One of the most common questions homeowners ask before winter is simple: how much snow actually needs to fall before a plow shows up? The honest answer depends on the contract, but here's how it typically works for seasonal driveway plans in London, Ontario.

The typical trigger depth

Most residential seasonal contracts use a trigger depth of around 5cm (roughly 2 inches) of accumulation. Once that threshold is hit, the contractor is committed to clearing your driveway, usually within a set response window rather than an open-ended "sometime today." Smaller accumulations below the trigger typically aren't cleared automatically, since a full visit for half an inch of fluff isn't worth the truck run for either side.

Why response time matters as much as trigger depth

Trigger depth only tells half the story. The other half is how a company handles the storm itself: whether it comes back during long snowfalls, clears the City windrow, and shows you proof of each visit. Thames Valley Snow's seasonal service starts automatically at 5 cm, returns during long storms, clears the City windrow and sends a timestamped photo after every visit. If you need to leave early for work, priority early-morning clearing is available as an add-on for $125 + HST.

Multiple visits during long storms

During a multi-day storm, a good contractor will plow multiple times rather than waiting for the storm to fully end, so snow doesn't get packed down or freeze into ice under a car's weight. Ask upfront whether multiple visits during one storm are included in your seasonal rate or billed separately.

What about ice and freezing rain?

Ice events don't always involve much snow accumulation, but they're often the most dangerous condition for a driveway. Ask whether your contract includes salt or ice-melt application separately from plowing triggers, since a good provider will treat for ice even on days with little or no snowfall.

Want the specifics in writing? Email sales@thamesvalleysnow.ca and we'll walk you through our exact trigger depth and response time commitments before you sign anything.

How the trigger works in practice

With a Thames Valley Snow seasonal plan, visits are automatic once 5 cm or more has fallen. You do not need to call. In a long storm the crew returns as snow keeps building, and the city windrow at the end of the driveway is cleared too.

What about snowfalls under 5 cm

Light snow is often walked or driven down before it is worth plowing, and it may melt during the day. If it refreezes into a slick layer, salting is what helps, which is why many clients add seasonal salting for $175.

Per-visit clients

If you are on per-visit service, you can have visits triggered automatically at 5 cm or call for one by text. Each visit is invoiced after it is done.

Frequently asked questions

Does the crew measure the snow at my house?

Crews go by the snowfall in your area and what they see on site. Long storms are handled with return visits rather than one late push.

Can I ask for a visit under the trigger?

Per-visit clients can text for one any time. For seasonal clients, ask the team and they will tell you what is possible on the route that day.

What's included… and what's extra

A Thames Valley Snow seasonal residential plan starts from $650 for a standard driveway. It covers clearing the driveway every time snowfall reaches the trigger depth in your agreement, plus the windrow the city plow leaves at the end of the driveway. Larger driveways are priced on our snow removal prices page.

Popular add-ons, priced per season: walkway and steps $150–175, salting $175, priority service $125, pet-safe salt $120, driveway extension $95 and city sidewalk clearing $90. Add only what your property needs; everything is listed on the quote so there are no surprises. Get your fixed price or call or text (548) 888-8702.