Snow clearance times are based on removing one inch of snow weighing up to 25 pounds per cubic foot from the primary runway.

• A. 15 pounds per cubic foot
• B. 25 pounds per cubic foot
• C. 30 pounds per cubic foot
• D. 40 pounds per cubic foot

Answer: (C)

Snow clearance times hinge on translating a depth of snowfall into the amount of snow mass that must be moved. That translation uses a fixed density so planners can predict workload consistently. In this context, the standard density used is 30 pounds per cubic foot, which represents wet or densely packed snow common in operational planning.

When one inch of snow is used as the depth, the volume per square foot is 1/12 cubic feet. Multiplying by 30 pounds per cubic foot gives about 2.5 pounds of snow per square foot to be cleared. This density provides a realistic estimate of the effort required for a runway clearance, aligning with typical maintenance planning for one-inch snowfall.

Other densities correspond to different snow conditions and would change the workload estimate. Lighter snow (like 15 pcf) would yield less mass to move, while heavier snow (like 40 pcf) would yield more, and 25 pcf sits between. The 30 pcf standard is used here to reflect the common, practical planning scenario, making it the best choice.