How do you prevent snow and ice from ripping off rain gutters?

You should keep the snow cleared from the eve of the roof up at least 3 feet, especially where there is a valley on the roof. By using an aluminum snow rake with extension handles, you can reach most first and second floor eves from the ground. This should be done with every snow storm, even if only a few inches. Clearing the snow allows the Sun's rays to warm the roofing material bellow, melting any ice that might otherwise begin to build up causing an ice dam.

Another good idea is to have your attic insulation checked and to make sure your attic is properly vented. Poorly insulated ceilings allow too much heat to escape into the attic space (ceiling insulation should never come in contact with the roof boards or plywood). If there is not enough ventilation for this heat, the roof boards or plywood gets too warm. This warmth is radiated to the roof exterior causing accumulated snow to melt high up the roof. Once this melted snow reaches the cold eve, it freezes again causing an ice dam to form.