Species selected for a living snow fence in conjunction with soils in the planting area will determine barrier height. Snow storage potential can be manipulated by barrier height. By doubling height snow storage is increased by four times, an important economic fact to consider in species selection. Density Barrier density is determined by the species, number of rows, spacing between rows, and spacing of plants in the row. It is important to consider winter density since density of deciduous species vary by season.
Density affects both windward and leeward drift lengths and heights.
Wyoming research shows barriers with densities ranging from 77 to 92 percent cast leeward snow drifts averaging nine times barrier height. Barrier density combined with height are most important when determining the placement of the living snow fence in relation to its distance from the road or area being protected. The living snow fence should be placed as close to the road as possible yet far enough away so that the leeward drift edge does not reach the road. Length Barrier length determines the maximum length of area that can be protected if winds are perpendicular to it. However, snow storage at the ends of a barrier is significantly less than near the center.