Minn. R. 1303.1700

Snow load in Mahnomen County, Minnesota: pg = 60 psf

The code ground snow load in Mahnomen County is 60 psf (2.87 kN/m²) — the highest county value in Minnesota. The calculator below is prefilled with that value: choose exposure, thermal condition, risk category and roof slope to get the roof snow load.

Ground snow load in Mahnomen County
Wherepg (psf)kN/m²
Entire county602.87
Roof snow load calculator
Simplified ASCE 7-16 method · prefilled for Mahnomen County, MN
Flat roof snow load pf
42 psf
2.01 kN/m²
0.7 × 1 × 1 × 1 × 60
Sloped roof snow load ps
42 psf
2.01 kN/m²
Cs = 1.00 at 5°
Governing (incl. minimum)
42 psf
2.01 kN/m²
Minimum pm = 20 psf for slopes < 15°

Educational estimate only. Excludes drifts, sliding snow, rain-on-snow surcharge, unbalanced and partial loads, and any local amendments. ASCE 7-22 changed the method (risk-targeted pg, no Is in pf). Design loads must come from the adopted building code and a licensed engineer.

Check the snow load for a real project

Upload the drawings or describe the roof — Planium works out exposure, drifts at parapets and roof steps, and what to confirm with the Mahnomen County building official.

Ask Planium about snow loads for my roof

From ground snow load to roof snow load

ASCE 7 converts the ground snow load into a flat roof snow load with pf = 0.7 · Ce · Ct · Is · pg. With pg = 60 psf, a typical heated, partially exposed home in suburban terrain gets pf = 0.7 × 1.0 × 1.0 × 1.0 × 60 = 42 psf. Roofs sloped below 15° must also be checked against the minimum load of 20 psf. Steep roofs shed snow, so the sloped roof load ps = Cs · pf falls once the slope passes about 30° on a warm roof.

Drifts usually govern the critical members: snow piles up against parapets, at lower roofs next to taller buildings and in valleys, and can reach several times the balanced load locally.

Frequently asked questions

What is the ground snow load in Mahnomen County, Minnesota?
Minn. R. 1303.1700 sets pg = 60 psf (2.87 kN/m²) for Mahnomen County.
What roof snow load should I use in Mahnomen County?
For a heated building (Ct = 1.0), partially exposed in suburban terrain (Ce = 1.0), risk category II (Is = 1.0), the simplified ASCE 7-16 flat roof snow load is pf = 0.7 × 60 = 42 psf, but not less than the minimum 20 psf on low-slope roofs. Drifts at parapets, steps and valleys add more — the structural engineer of record sets the design load.
Does the local building department have the final say?
Yes. The building official enforces the adopted code and its amendments. Use these values for early estimates and to check drawings, then confirm with the Mahnomen County jurisdiction having authority.

Counties near Mahnomen

All 87 counties in Minnesota

Source: Minnesota Rules, part 1303.1700 "Ground snow load" (Minnesota State Building Code) — State administrative rules — public law, free to reuse. Scope: Minnesota State Building Code — buildings and other structures. County data: US Census Bureau Gazetteer. The calculator is a simplified, educational version of ASCE 7-16 Chapter 7 and does not replace a structural design.