How Much Snowfall Requires Professional Removal?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Homeowners in London, Ontario often wonder at what point a snowfall is heavy enough to justify calling in professional removal instead of just grabbing a shovel. Most snow removal companies use a trigger depth to answer this exact question.

A trigger depth is the amount of snowfall that automatically dispatches a crew under a seasonal contract. Our seasonal plans use a 5 cm trigger. Below that threshold, most people can reasonably clear their own driveway with a shovel or snowblower in a short amount of time.

Once snowfall passes 5 to 8 centimetres, clearing by hand becomes noticeably harder and takes longer, especially for larger driveways or anyone with physical limitations. This is typically where professional plowing starts to save real time and effort compared to manual clearing.

During major snow events, 15 centimetres or more, professional equipment isn't just convenient, it's often necessary. Heavy, wet snow at that volume can be dangerous to shovel and puts real strain on anyone attempting it manually, which is a common cause of winter injuries.

At Thames Valley Snow, seasonal clearing is automatic every snowfall of 5 cm or more, so there is no need to call or watch the forecast.

Why 5 cm Is a Sensible Trigger

At around 5 cm, snow starts to pack down under tires and footsteps. Once it is driven on, it compacts into a hard layer that is much harder to remove and turns slippery as it melts and refreezes. Clearing at that depth keeps the driveway at bare or near-bare pavement for most of the winter. Below 5 cm, a quick sweep or shovel is usually enough, and many people prefer to handle light dustings themselves.

It Is Not Just About Depth

Depth is only part of the picture. Heavy, wet snow near freezing can weigh several times more than dry, powdery snow at the same depth. The City windrow, the compact ridge left across the end of your driveway by the municipal plow, can be the hardest part of the job even after a modest snowfall. Long storms that drop snow over many hours may need more than one clearing; our seasonal plans include return visits in long storms and clear the City windrow.

Your own situation matters too. If you leave early for work, have a long or sloped driveway, or have health reasons to avoid heavy lifting, professional help makes sense at lower amounts. Seniors and front-line workers get 5% off seasonal plans, and you can read more on our seniors snow removal page.

Seasonal or Per-Visit?

If you only want help after big storms, per-visit service is $70 to $85 + HST. If you want every 5 cm snowfall handled automatically, seasonal plans run December 1 to March 31 at $650 to $725 for a single or 1.5-car drive, $815 for a double, and $1,050 for a 3-car, paver or stamped drive, plus HST. Priority early-morning clearing is $125 + HST.

What About Ice?

Freezing rain may leave almost no measurable depth but create the most dangerous conditions of the winter. Seasonal salt ($175 + HST) covers freezing rain and refreeze visits.

What to Expect From a Seasonal Plan

Every seasonal customer gets the same basics: service from December 1 to March 31, automatic visits at 5 cm or more, return visits in long storms, the City windrow cleared, and a timestamped photo after each visit. Quotes are prepared from City of London maps and aerial imagery within 1 business day, and we carry $2,000,000 liability coverage, are WSIB registered and are LPMA members.

Snowfall FAQ

Do I need to call when it snows?

No. On a seasonal plan, visits are automatic at 5 cm or more, with a timestamped photo after each one.

Can I get coverage in November?

Yes, the Nov 1 to Apr 15 extension is +$95.

Let the snow be someone else's job. Get a free quote or call or text (548) 888-8702, or see snow removal prices.

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.