Comparing sawdust and geotextile

Detailed measurements from several sites in Scandinavia show that the snow pile’s total and per day change of volume is higher for geotextile fabric than for saw dust. This is mainly due to the lesser insulation and water absorption capability of the geotextile fabric.

The % change of volume is affected by the size of the snow pile, but it is observed an average of 20 – 25% change for saw dust and 30% or more for geotextile fabric.  The % change per day is measured to ca. 0,15 % for saw dust and ca. 0,35 % for geotextile. Using two or more layers of geotextile fabric would reduce the melting and % change of volume by 2 – 4 %.

Photo: Snørik

In Canmore, Canada, at 1400 meter elevation, snow has been stored every summer since 2009 using saw dust. Their average loss has been between 10 – 13%. In 2019 the snow pile was 14 000 m³.

Pictures of the uncovering process shown above (Photos: Mike Norton).

Although the rate of melting for saw dust is quite a bit less than for geotextile fabric, the work related to covering and uncovering the snow pile is much more labor intensive than for geotextile fabic.    

Saw dust must be covered in a smooth and even layer, and this demands use of a grooming machine and a bulldozer or excavator (see photos above from Canmore).  The saw dust must also be transported to and from the site, uncovered and stored over the winter (if re-used).  

Covering the snow pile with a geotextile fabric is a less demanding process

The geotextile fabric normally comes in rolls of 5 meter width and 50 meter length. These are rolled across and over the snow pile (a special attachment for a grooming machine or tractor can be used). Velcro fastens the rolls/units together, and weights are added on the perimeter edges in case of wind. 

Geotextile fabric will last 3 – 5 years, but should then be replaced due to damage from water, wind, dirt and other pollutants (the cloth can then be used for new trail surface).

New saw dust works better than old saw dust, and should optimally be dried or partially exchanged every 1 – 2 years. Re-used saw dust will loose much of its capacity after 3 year.

ComparisonSaw dust Geotextile
Investment/purchaseca. 20 EUR per m³ca. 2.30 EUR per sqm
Duration1 – 3 years3 – 5 years
Rate of melting15 – 25%25 – 35 %
Labour intensiveHighMedium
Sensitive to air temperature
and humidity
LowMedium
Enviromentally friendlyMediumGood