What Happens When Snowfall Stays Under the Trigger?

4 min read · Thames Valley Snow, London, Ontario

Why a trigger depth exists

A trigger depth is the amount of snow that sets off an automatic visit. Ours is 5 cm. It exists because plowing a dusting does little good: a plow blade cannot do much with a centimetre or two, and the crews would be tied up on light snow while larger accumulations build elsewhere. A clear trigger also means you never have to call. Once 5 cm falls, your property is on the list.

How snowfall depth is judged

Snow does not fall evenly. Wind blows it off open driveways and drifts it against garages, fences and the windrow at the curb. Depth is judged on the undisturbed snow, not on drifts or on the plow ridge at the end of the driveway. Snow also settles as it sits, so an inch or two of fluffy snow can compact noticeably over a few hours. When snowfall is close to the line, crews use judgement based on what is actually on the ground.

Light snow can still be slippery

Thin snow is often more slippery than deep snow. Foot and tire traffic packs it into a hard, smooth layer, and a sunny afternoon can melt it into water that refreezes overnight. This is why light snow days are a good time to keep a shovel and a small pail of de-icer handy.

• Sweep or shovel a dusting before it is packed down by cars.
• Treat steps and the walkway to the door first.
• Watch for refreeze in the evening after a sunny day.

When light snow adds up

Several small snowfalls in a row can accumulate past 5 cm even though no single event did. When that happens, the total on the ground is what counts. Long, slow storms are similar: snow may fall lightly for many hours before reaching the trigger, and keep falling afterward. In those cases we make return visits as needed rather than waiting for the storm to fully end.

Ice control is separate from plowing

A 5 cm trigger applies to plowing. Freezing rain and refreeze ice can happen with no snow at all, which is why seasonal salting is a separate service. At $175 plus HST, it includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, so a thin glaze is handled even when nothing needed to be plowed.

How our seasonal service handles it

Our seasonal plans run from December 1 to March 31. Clearing is automatic every time 5 cm or more falls, so you never need to call or book a visit. In long storms we come back for return visits, and the City windrow at the end of your driveway is cleared as part of the service. Before the season starts we mark your edges, steps and drains so they can be found under snow. After every visit you get a timestamped photo. We are fully insured with $2,000,000 in liability coverage and registered with WSIB. Seasonal salting is available for $175 plus HST and includes freezing rain and refreeze visits, and seniors and front-line workers save 5% on seasonal plans. Prices are fixed for the season: single or 1.5-car driveways are $650 to $725, doubles are $815, and three-car, paver or stamped driveways are $1,050, all plus HST. We measure your property from City of London maps and aerial imagery and send a fixed quote within one business day. A 30% deposit reserves your spot, with the balance due before December 1.

Want this handled for you this winter? Request a free quote and we will measure your property and send a fixed price within one business day, or call or text (548) 888-8702. You can also read more about our FAQ and salting and ice control.

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.