Wet Snow vs. Your Snowblower: How to Prevent Clogs and Power Through

Is heavy, wet snow clogging your machine? Learn why it happens and get pro tips to prevent clogs and keep your snowblower running smoothly through the toughest winter conditions.

Introduction: The Spring Snowstorm Trap

Just when you think you’ve mastered winter, a spring-like snowstorm rolls in. The temperature hovers around freezing, and the sky dumps a heavy, cement-like snow that brings even the most powerful snowblower to a grinding halt.

If you’ve ever had to stop every five feet to clear a clogged chute with a stick, you know the frustration. But what if you could prevent those clogs from happening in the first place?

This guide explains why wet snow is such a problem and gives you the strategies to power through it.

Why Wet Snow is Your Snowblower’s Worst Enemy

It all comes down to physics and friction.

• Light, Powdery Snow: Has a high air-to-water ratio. The flakes don’t stick together, so they flow like sand through the auger and chute.
• Heavy, Wet Snow: Is basically a slushy. It’s dense, sticky, and has a low air-to-water ratio. This sloppy mass sticks to the metal surfaces of the auger housing and discharge chute, building up until it completely blocks the machine.

The result? A stalled auger, a clogged chute, and a lot of muttered complaints under your breath.

Proactive Strategies: How to PREVENT Clogs Before They Start

An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure—especially when that “cure” involves freezing your hands to clear ice.

1. The “Take Smaller Bites” Technique
This is the #1 most effective tip. Instead of trying to clear the full width of your snowblower in one pass, set your intake height a few inches higher or only take a half-width pass. By moving less snow at a time, you give the machine a manageable amount to process and throw.

2. The Non-Stick Shield: Spray Your Chute
Before the storm hits, give the inside of your discharge chute and auger housing a coat of non-stick cooking spray or a specialized snowblower chute lubricant. This creates a slippery barrier that prevents snow from sticking. ( *Pro Tip: Silicone spray is also a great, longer-lasting option.)

3. Let the Machine Do the Work (Full Throttle!)
Always run your snowblower at its full operational throttle. Higher engine speed means the impeller (the fan that throws the snow) is spinning at maximum RPM, creating more throwing force to eject heavy snow before it has a chance to clog.

Reactive Solutions: How to SAFELY Clear a Clog

Even with prevention, a clog can still happen. Here’s how to handle it safely.

THE GOLDEN RULE: SHUT IT DOWN!

1. TURN OFF THE ENGINE.
2. REMOVE THE IGNITION KEY. (This is a critical safety step!)
3. WAIT 10 SECONDS for all moving parts to come to a complete stop.

Only then should you proceed:

• Use a Proper Tool: Always keep a long stick, broom handle, or a dedicated snowblower clearing tool on hand. NEVER, EVER use your hands to clear a clog.
• Work from the Discharge Chute: Start from the end of the chute and work your way back into the auger housing to dislodge the packed snow.

The Right Tool for the Job: Are You Using a Two-Stage Blower?

If you consistently battle wet, heavy snow and are using a single-stage snowblower, you might be fighting a losing battle.

• Single-Stage Snowblowers simply don’t have the power, auger design, or throwing distance to handle dense snow effectively.
• Two-Stage Snowblowers are specifically engineered for this task. The powerful auger breaks up the snow and the high-speed impeller blasts it out of the chute, making them far less prone to clogging.

(Image: Side-by-side comparison of a single-stage struggling with wet snow and a two-stage blowing through it.)

Conclusion: Don’t Let Heavy Snow Win

Wet snow doesn’t have to mean a ruined morning. By taking smaller passes, using a non-stick spray, and running at full throttle, you can keep moving all winter long.

Is Your Snowblower Not Up to the Task?
If you’re constantly battling clogs, it might be time for an upgrade. Explore our range of powerful two-stage snowblowers built to handle the heaviest, wettest snow your winter can deliver.