Short answer: most residential snow services start clearing once snow reaches a set depth — commonly around five centimetres (roughly two inches) — called the "trigger." Below the trigger, a light dusting is usually left; at or above it, the crew is dispatched. Knowing your service's trigger is one of the most useful things you can ask about, because it tells you exactly when to expect them. Here is how triggers work and what to look for.
It sounds like a small detail, but the trigger depth quietly shapes your whole winter experience.
What a trigger depth is
A trigger is simply the snowfall depth at which your contract says clearing happens. A common residential trigger sits around five centimetres. The logic: clearing a one-centimetre dusting on every flurry would be constant and expensive, while waiting too long lets snow pack down and ice up. The trigger is the sensible middle — enough snow to be worth clearing, not so much that it hardens.
Why the number matters to you
- It sets your expectations. If your trigger is five centimetres and only three fell, no visit is coming — that is the agreement working, not a missed service.
- It affects ice. A lower trigger means more frequent clearing and less pack-down; a higher one means fewer visits but more shovelling of the light stuff yourself.
- It should be in writing. A vague contract that never states a trigger is a contract you cannot hold anyone to.
The full list of what a solid contract should spell out is in our guide on choosing a snow company.
What happens during a bigger storm
Trigger depth is the start point, not the whole story. In a long or heavy storm, a good service makes return passes rather than waiting for it to end, so you are not buried between clearings. How we handle that storm to storm is in our snow removal process. Ask any company how they handle multi-day storms, not just the first pass.
Below the trigger: the light stuff
For dustings under the trigger, homeowners usually handle it with a quick shovel or a bit of salt, or add a salting option so light snow and freeze-thaw are treated even when a full clearing is not triggered. On sloped or shaded driveways, that ice control can matter more than the plowing itself.
A GTA note
Our storms are inconsistent — some drop a fast twenty centimetres, others nickel-and-dime you with repeated small falls that never quite hit a high trigger. That variability is why a sensible trigger plus return passes beats either extreme. For the bigger picture on GTA snow, see our Toronto snow removal guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a typical trigger depth?
Around five centimetres, or roughly two inches, is common for residential service, though it varies by company and contract. Always confirm your specific trigger.
Will you come for a light dusting?
Usually not below the trigger — that is by design, to avoid constant small visits. Light snow is typically handled by a quick shovel or a salting add-on.
What happens in a big storm?
A good service returns for additional passes during long or heavy storms rather than waiting for it to finish, so you are not left buried between clearings.
Can I ask for a lower trigger?
Sometimes, yes — some companies offer different trigger levels or a salting add-on for more frequent attention. Ask what options they have.
What if it is icy but did not snow much?
That is where salting comes in. Clearing is triggered by snow depth, but ice control is a separate service worth adding on sloped or shaded driveways.
Want a plan with a clear trigger and reliable return passes? Home Bros runs residential snow routes across the GTA and treats every property like our own. See how our snow removal works and get a quote.