Out of Town When the Storm Hits? A Second Home Checklist

The forecast said a foot. The webcams say more. You’re in Denver, Dallas, or somewhere else entirely, and your Summit County place is sitting under it. This second home snow storm checklist walks through what to do, in order, so a big storm doesn’t turn into a leaking ceiling or a damaged deck you only discover on your next visit.

It’s not a hypothetical worry. In past heavy seasons, local officials specifically urged second homeowners to get roof snow removed, because second homes make up a large percentage of many Summit County neighborhoods and so many roofs had nobody watching them.

Before the season: set yourself up

The easiest storms to handle are the ones you planned for in October.

• Line up roof snow help in advance. In past heavy seasons, contractors reported waits of up to a week because so many people called at once. A seasonal arrangement or at least a known contact puts you ahead of the rush. See roof snow removal for vacation homes.
• Write down access details. Gate codes, parking, how to reach decks, and anything to avoid under the snow, such as hot tubs, skylights, or landscaping.
• Name a local contact. A neighbor, cleaner, or property manager who can look inside for leaks if needed.
• Know your problem spots. Which valleys drift deepest, where icicles form, and which deck sits under a roof that sheds.

Right after the storm: the first 24 hours

1. Check the totals. Look at how much fell and whether more is on the way. Back-to-back storms are when loads build fastest.
2. Check the forecast for sun and warming. Thawing followed by refreezing adds weight and creates ice. A sunny spell after a big storm is when snow turns dense and ice dams start to grow.
3. Ask your local contact for a look. From the ground and from inside only. Nobody should climb onto the roof or a loaded deck.
4. Request help early. If the storm was big, don’t wait to see what happens. The longer snow sits, the denser it gets, and the more people are calling.

What to ask your local contact to look for

Send them this list:

• Any sagging along the roofline, or ceilings that look like they’re bowing
• New cracks in interior walls or ceilings
• Interior doors or windows that suddenly stick
• Leaks, drips, or water stains, especially near exterior walls and windows
• Large icicles or thick ice along the eaves and in the gutters
• Snow on decks that’s deeper than on the ground nearby, or snow that has slid onto a deck from the roof
• Snow or ice hanging over doors, stairs, and walkways

Don’t forget the deck

Decks often aren’t designed for the loads roofs are, and they collect both new snow and whatever slides off the roof above. In a past heavy season, deck collapses were reported in the Wildernest area of Silverthorne. If your deck sits under a roofline, ask for it to be cleared along with the roof. See deck snow removal.

When you request help from afar

To get the fastest, most useful response, include:

• The town and location of the property
• The type of property: house, condo or townhome, or commercial/HOA
• That you’re not on site, and the best way to reach you
• Access details and any hazards hidden under the snow
• What you or your contact have seen, plus photos if they can take them safely from the ground

You can send a request online or call. We’ll connect you with an independent local professional who serves your town, and they’ll confirm the scope and price with you before starting.

After the work is done

• Ask what they found: ice dams, damaged gutters, signs of stress on the deck, or areas likely to drift again.
• If ice dams were a problem, consider the longer-term fixes such as insulation, ventilation, and air sealing. Our guide to icicles and ice dams explains why.
• Update your notes on problem spots for next time.
• Watch the forecast. In a heavy season, the next storm is rarely far behind.

For short-term rental owners

If guests are arriving, roof snow is also a guest safety issue. Make sure entries, stairs, decks, and exits are clear, and that there’s no heavy ice or large icicles hanging over doors and walkways before check-in.