Snow Load in Washington

39 counties — Average 15.7 PSF (Light)

14
25
Light (35.9%) Case Study (64.1%)
Light — 14 counties with 1–20 PSF. Standard roof construction is typically sufficient.
Case Study — 25 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.

Washington Snow Load Map

Counties colored by snow load classification.

All 39 Counties — By Snow Load

CountyClassificationSnow Load
Adams Case Study Site Study
Asotin Case Study Site Study
Benton Light 10 PSF
Chelan Case Study Site Study
Clallam Case Study Site Study
Clark Case Study Site Study
Columbia Case Study Site Study
Cowlitz Light 15 PSF
Douglas Case Study Site Study
Ferry Case Study Site Study
Franklin Light 15 PSF
Garfield Case Study Site Study
Grant Case Study Site Study
Grays Harbor Case Study Site Study
Island Light 15 PSF
Jefferson Light 20 PSF
King Light 15 PSF
Kitsap Light 15 PSF
Kittitas Case Study Site Study
Klickitat Case Study Site Study
Lewis Case Study Site Study
Lincoln Case Study Site Study
Mason Light 20 PSF
Okanogan Case Study Site Study
Pacific Case Study Site Study
Pend Oreille Case Study Site Study
Pierce Light 15 PSF
San Juan Light 20 PSF
Skagit Light 15 PSF
Skamania Case Study Site Study
Snohomish Light 15 PSF
Spokane Case Study Site Study
Stevens Case Study Site Study
Thurston Light 15 PSF
Wahkiakum Case Study Site Study
Walla Walla Light 15 PSF
Whatcom Case Study Site Study
Whitman Case Study Site Study
Yakima Case Study Site Study

Source: ASCE 7-22 ground snow load data

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the snow load in Washington?

Washington has an average ground snow load of 15.7 PSF, classified as light. Out of 39 counties: 14 light, 25 case study.

Which Washington counties have the highest snow load?

25 counties require a site-specific case study. See the county table above for a complete breakdown.

How do I check snow load for my Washington 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.

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