When using a Snow Joe electric snow shovel on a windy day, clear snow in the same direction the wind is blowing.
Working with the wind helps carry the discharged snow away from you instead of blowing it back toward the area you are clearing.
Best Direction to Throw Snow
Throw the snow downwind.
Position your clearing passes so the electric snow shovel discharges snow in the same general direction as the wind.
Wind Direction
Work With the Wind
Direct the discharged snow downwind rather than trying to throw snow against the wind.
Discharge Direction
Angle the Shovel
Hold the electric snow shovel at a slight angle to direct the snow discharge to the right or left.
Each Pass
Overlap Slightly
Slightly overlap each clearing swath for more efficient snow removal.
How to Clear Snow on a Windy Day
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Check the Area First
Inspect the area and remove stones, toys, and other foreign objects that the rotating blades could pick up and throw.
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Determine the Wind Direction
Plan your clearing direction so the snow will be discharged downwind.
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Start the Snow Shovel
Start the electric snow shovel and tilt it forward until the scraper blade at the base of the unit contacts the ground.
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Push Forward at a Comfortable Rate
Move forward slowly enough to clear the path completely. Your forward speed should depend on the clearing width of the snow shovel and the depth of the snow.
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Angle the Discharge
Hold the snow shovel at a slight angle to direct the discharged snow to the right or left so it continues moving downwind.
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Overlap the Next Pass
Slightly overlap each swath as you continue clearing.
Clearing Deeper Snow
If the snow is deeper than your snow shovel can clear in a single pass, remove the snow in layers rather than trying to clear the entire depth at once.
For the Snow Joe 324E Electric Snow Shovel, the approved product information specifies an 11-inch clearing width and a 6-inch snow-cut depth per pass.
The 324E manual instructs the user to hold the shovel by the upper and lower handles and use a swinging or sweeping motion for deeper drifts, removing up to 6 inches of snow with each pass and repeating as needed.
Electric Snow Shovel Safety
- Use the electric snow shovel outdoors for residential snow clearing.
- Check the clearing area for stones, toys, and other objects before starting.
- Keep the extension cord away from obstructions, sharp objects, and the rotating auger.
- Frequently inspect the extension cord for damage.
- Do not use a damaged extension cord.
- Do not run the extension cord through standing water or wet grass.
- Use an extension cord recommended for outdoor use.
Keep the discharge area clear. Objects hidden beneath the snow can be picked up and thrown by the rotating blades.
324E Electric Snow Shovel Reference
The approved 324E electric snow shovel product information lists:
- 10-amp motor
- 11-inch clearing width
- Up to 6 inches of snow per pass
- Maximum throw distance up to 20 feet
- Up to 300 pounds of snow per minute
- 2 W LED light
These specifications are for the 324E. Specifications and clearing capacities can vary by electric snow shovel model, so review the product information and manual for your exact unit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which direction should I throw snow on a windy day?
Throw the snow in the same direction as the wind. The approved operating guidance recommends throwing snow downwind.
Can I change which side the snow is discharged toward?
The 324E manual instructs the user to hold the electric snow shovel at a slight angle to direct the snow discharge to the right or left.
Should my clearing passes overlap?
Yes. The approved manual recommends slightly overlapping each swath for efficient snow removal.
How fast should I push the electric snow shovel?
Push it forward at a comfortable rate that is slow enough to clear the path completely. The clearing width and depth of the snowfall should determine your forward speed.
What should I do if the snow is deeper than one pass?
Clear deeper snow in multiple passes. For the 324E, the approved manual specifies removing up to 6 inches of snow with each pass and repeating as needed.
Find Your Electric Snow Shovel
Visit the Shop Joe Snow Shovels + Ice Tools collection to locate your model and review its product information.
Always review the operator's manual for your exact electric snow shovel to confirm its clearing width, snow depth, operating instructions, and electrical requirements.
If you need help identifying your electric snow shovel or locating the correct guidance, Shop Joe Customer Care can help.