Concerns from City of Humboldt, Saskatchewan Safety Council about building snow forts in snow piles and windrows. (File photo/northeastNOW)

By Cam Lee

Safety risks

Safety concerns voiced about snow forts in snow piles

Dec 5, 2024 | 4:12 PM

The City of Humboldt is cautioning people about the dangers of building snow forts in public places.

A news release said snow forts have been built in windrows and snow piles, “hindering snow-clearing efforts and causing safety concerns.”

The City added that residents are being urged to avoid building snow forts in these areas.

“Due to safety reasons, if a snow fort is found to have been constructed in a windrow or snow pile, Public Works will discontinue snow clearing in the area,” the City news release said. “For safety and efficiency, please build snow structures in areas where they will not interfere with snow removal or pose a danger to others.”

The City of Humboldt added they remain committed to maintaining safe and accessible streets for everyone, and they appreciate the cooperation of residents in keeping public spaces clear and safe.

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Saskatchewan Safety Council Chief Executive Officer Ryan Jacobson told northeastNOW via email that snow forts can be fun, but families need to have discussions about the risks.

“Building them in a safe area is important,” Jacobson said. “If it’s on a parking lot or near a street, equipment could come at any time to move the snow.” He added that snow that has been recently piled up is also more likely to collapse.

Though open air snow forts are a better option, according to Jacobson, walls can still collapse, so caution is always warranted. He said Canada has seen numerous fatalities when children become stuck in a collapsed snow fort.

“Having a family discussion can go a long way to managing the risks,” said Jacobson. A family member or other responsible person should always monitor things from outside the fort, just in case help is needed. Jacobson’s statement said the weight of collapsed snow could make it hard to breathe, and time is of the essence.

“If there is a collapse, contacting emergency services and trying to safely remove the collapsed snow, to allow the trapped person to breathe, are important considerations,” Jacobson said.

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Cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

On X: @northeastNOW_SK