Snow Load in North Dakota

53 counties — Average 41.8 PSF (Heavy)

Moderate (62.3%) Heavy (28.3%) Case Study (9.4%)

Moderate — 33 counties with 21–40 PSF. Roofs need reinforced framing to handle regular snow buildup.

Heavy — 15 counties with 41–60 PSF. Engineered roof systems required for significant snow accumulation.

Case Study — 5 counties where snow loads vary too much to assign one number. A licensed engineer must determine the load for your specific site.

Based on ASCE 7-22, the national standard for structural snow loads used by engineers and building codes across the US.

North Dakota Snow Load Map

Counties colored by snow load classification.

Highest Snow Load Counties

Bottineau50 PSF

Cavalier60 PSF

Emmons50 PSF

Grand Forks60 PSF

McIntosh50 PSF

Nelson50 PSF

Pembina60 PSF

Ramsey50 PSF

Richland50 PSF

Rolette50 PSF

Sargent50 PSF

Sioux50 PSF

+3 more

North Dakota

Check Your ZIP Code

All 53 Counties — By Snow Load

County	Classification	Snow Load
Adams	Case Study	Site Study
Barnes	Moderate	40 PSF
Benson	Moderate	40 PSF
Billings	Moderate	30 PSF
Bottineau	Heavy	50 PSF
Bowman	Case Study	Site Study
Burke	Moderate	40 PSF
Burleigh	Moderate	35 PSF
Cass	Moderate	40 PSF
Cavalier	Heavy	60 PSF
Dickey	Moderate	40 PSF
Divide	Moderate	35 PSF
Dunn	Case Study	Site Study
Eddy	Moderate	40 PSF
Emmons	Heavy	50 PSF
Foster	Moderate	40 PSF
Golden Valley	Moderate	30 PSF
Grand Forks	Heavy	60 PSF
Grant	Moderate	40 PSF
Griggs	Moderate	40 PSF
Hettinger	Case Study	Site Study
Kidder	Moderate	40 PSF
LaMoure	Moderate	40 PSF
Logan	Moderate	40 PSF
McHenry	Moderate	35 PSF
McIntosh	Heavy	50 PSF
McKenzie	Moderate	30 PSF
McLean	Moderate	35 PSF
Mercer	Case Study	Site Study
Morton	Moderate	35 PSF
Mountrail	Moderate	30 PSF
Nelson	Heavy	50 PSF
Oliver	Moderate	35 PSF
Pembina	Heavy	60 PSF
Pierce	Moderate	40 PSF
Ramsey	Heavy	50 PSF
Ransom	Moderate	40 PSF
Renville	Moderate	40 PSF
Richland	Heavy	50 PSF
Rolette	Heavy	50 PSF
Sargent	Heavy	50 PSF
Sheridan	Moderate	35 PSF
Sioux	Heavy	50 PSF
Slope	Moderate	35 PSF
Stark	Moderate	30 PSF
Steele	Moderate	40 PSF
Stutsman	Moderate	40 PSF
Towner	Heavy	50 PSF
Traill	Heavy	50 PSF
Walsh	Heavy	60 PSF
Ward	Moderate	35 PSF
Wells	Moderate	35 PSF
Williams	Moderate	35 PSF

Source: ASCE 7-22 ground snow load data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the snow load in North Dakota?

North Dakota has an average ground snow load of 41.8 PSF, classified as heavy. Out of 53 counties: 33 moderate, 15 heavy, 5 case study.

Which North Dakota counties have the highest snow load?

North Dakota has 15 counties with heavy snow load (41-60 PSF). 5 counties require a site-specific case study. See the county table above for a complete breakdown.

How do I check snow load for my North Dakota address?

Enter your ZIP code in the search box above to see your area's ASCE 7-22 ground snow load, classification, and roof snow load calculator.

Explore All States