What is the weight of snow load for roof design?

The weight of snow load for roof design is determined by factors such as the geographic location, historical snowfall data, and the roof's slope. Building codes typically provide specific guidelines, often expressed in pounds per square foot (psf), to account for the expected snow accumulation. In general, the basic snow load can range from 20 psf in areas with minimal snowfall to over 100 psf in regions with heavy snowfall. Engineers must also consider factors like snow density and thermal effects on the roof structure.