What Age Should You Stop Shoveling Snow In North Dakota?

We could see the most significant snowfall of the season this weekend.

After a 3 to 5-inch blanket of snow today, an even more potent storm is heading our way for Sunday and into Monday.  Depending on what weather model you look at, this pending snowstorm could have you shoveling feet and not inches.  That's if you don't have a snowblower.  I haven't even used my snowblower yet this year (note to self, start it, to make sure it runs).

Bismarck, North Dakota on average sees about 46 inches of snow in a typical winter season. 

We have seen less than half of that so far, and now that we're officially into spring does that mean we will pick up what we typically receive?  Time will tell I guess.  The last couple of springs has brought us several big snow events.

One thing is for sure, whatever snow we get this weekend will hopefully help with our dry conditions.  The majority of the state is abnormally dry and a good share of the state is in moderate drought conditions (northern half of the state).  Extreme northeast North Dakota is in a severe drought.

The snow we have coming Sunday is expected to have a lot of moisture in it.  That means wet and heavy snow to shovel.  That got me thinking.  Let's say you're not very active, could shoveling snow be dangerous for your health?  More on that in a moment.

Shoveling snow.  Something that is just part of life if you are a North Dakotan.

For many of us, it was one of our daily chores growing up as kids.  Something that was expected of us.

Then came along snowblowers to make the job a whole lot easier. 

That has evolved into blades on 4-wheelers and even on trucks.  Some people are really living in the lap of luxury with their own Bobcat, which they use for shoveling the driveway.

What about shoveling for people out of shape?

Shoveling snow for people who are out of shape or have heart issues can be very BAD for their health.  "Widowmakers" as some people like to say.

So, at what age should you avoid shoveling snow?

According to the Chicago Sun Times, there is an age you might want to consider passing the torch on to a younger age group to shovel your snow.  One doctor says 45 is the age you should stop in the article.  Another doctor says 55.  I'm guessing that would be a range (45-55) to consider either buying a snowblower or paying the kid down the street to shovel your snow.  Especially wet and heavy snow.

Stay safe my friends.