Why is Historical Weather Data Critical to Your Snow and Ice Removal Business?

It’s that time of the year when snow management businesses are gearing up for their snow and ice removal missions. We’re sure you already know that weather plays a crucial role in accurately pricing the bids. It decides not only the pricing but also the type of contract you negotiate with your customer.

Most companies, when starting out in snow and ice removal services, often jump the gun while deciding on contract and pricing types because they want to meet with the potential customer real quick. That’s often a mistake because it’s not that simple.

How do snow and ice removal management companies operate?

All successful snow management companies use different contract structures based on the snow behavior and the snow quantity in their area each year. Here are a few of the most popular contract models -

1. Seasonal - Long-Term Contract
2. Pay per push - Paid after every snow event
3. Pay per storm- Flat Fee Per Storm

In addition to this, the following are the most common snow and ice removal pricing models -

1. Pay per inch - Paid based on how much it snows
2. Time-based - Charge based on time spent on every snow event

Having access to historical weather data becomes a critical factor in deciding which works best for you. It allows you to analyze and predict the future probability of snowfall and build a model that works best for the customers as well as ensures profitability for your business.

Besides, business is about creating win-win situations for both parties and being data-driven allows you to give the best price without compromising on quality. Hence, you will stand out and shall drastically increase your chances of winning the bid. It is similar to how snow removal businesses can use an instant snow site measurement platform that equips them with up-to-date aerial imagery to build accurate estimates upon them.

Past weather data can also help you plan your operations better. You can get the right equipment and crew based on the expected snowfall. Therefore, you can make sure you get an experienced crew for the season if you are expecting heavy snowfall.

Enough said. It’s time to get your hands dirty and start looking at how weather data can be accessed. We believe these 3 are the best free snow and ice data services where you can get past snowfall data.

Data for Snow and Ice Removal

Here are the 3 most credible, up-to-date, and free-of-cost websites that you can refer to for accurate weather and historical snow data.

1. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
2. Wunderground
3. National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

The NOAA website is a credible source to find snowfall data. You can check the precipitation details for your area based on the specified area and time period.

Wunderground

Wunderground.com is another free website to get historical snow data. You can view the data on a monthly, weekly, or daily basis for the selected time period. Simply head to the precipitation section, where you will find the data on snow depth.

National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center

National Operational Hydrologic Remote Sensing Center helps snow and ice removal businesses identify snow water equivalent of snow-riddled areas. Lower snow ratios typically produce moist, heavy snow accumulations that are typical of early- and late-season storms. This kind of snow is challenging to shovel and can occasionally bring down power lines and trees. On the other hand, higher snow ratios result in light and fluffy accumulations and are frequently prone to drifting around in the wind.

‍Over to you

you’re preparing estimates for the upcoming snow and ice removal season, it’s time you do it right. To get an edge over your competition, set up a personalized demo with Attentive.ai.