⚠ Pitch too low for heavy snow
With heavy snow load enabled, use at least 6/12 pitch. Shallow roofs let snow accumulate — the weight adds up fast at mountain elevations and can collapse rafters. Increase pitch or switch to 2×8 rafters at minimum.
Materials List & Cost Estimate
| Item | Size / Spec | Qty | Est. Cost | Notes |
|---|
Foundation — Dug Tube Footings on a Sloped Site
- Your site is sloped — posts will be different heights. That's normal. Level the top of the frame, not the ground.
- Dig one hole per post, 10"–12" diameter, at least 42–48" deep (mountain frost line). A manual clamshell post hole digger works fine — have a digging bar handy to break up rocks and loosen compacted soil as you go.
- Set a sonotube/tube form in each hole. Cut tube tops to the same height using a laser level — this makes setting post bases much easier.
- Pour concrete in lifts (12"–18" at a time), rodding out air bubbles. Set a Simpson ABA66 post base anchor bolt in the top while wet. Double-check level and position before it sets.
- Let concrete cure 48–72 hours before loading posts. Don't rush — a shifted anchor bolt is a pain to fix.
- Uphill posts will be short, downhill posts will be tall. Cut all posts to height after the frame is level — don't pre-cut.
- Start with the 4 corner posts. Use a laser level to establish the frame plane before cutting anything.
Airflow for Wood Storage
- Open front on wood bay is key — never close it in
- Gaps in back wall siding (1–2" spacing) or hardware cloth panels improve cross-ventilation
- Stack wood on a raised pallet or 2×4 runners to keep off ground
- Orient wood bay to prevailing wind if possible
Roof — Snow Load & Pitch
- Mountain snow is heavy — wet spring snow can exceed 20 lb/sq ft. A 6/12 pitch sheds it; a 4/12 or lower holds it.
- Use 2×8 rafters at 16" OC in heavy snow areas (selected above). Do not use 2×6 at 24" OC — undersized for mountain snowpack.
- Metal roofing is ideal — snow slides off rather than piling up. Use corrugated or standing seam 26-ga steel.
- Slope roof away from the open front. Snow sliding off the rear is safer than dumping on the UTV or your head.
- Extend eaves 18–24" on front and sides — keeps melt and rain away from the open bays.
- Closure strips at eave and ridge — seals against wind-driven snow getting under the metal.
Wolverine X4 Clearance
- X4 is ~61" wide, ~75" tall (cab) — 10 ft bay gives comfortable clearance
- Allow at least 18" on each side for doors and access
- 9 ft front wall height clears the machine with ~12" to spare
- Consider a wheel stop (4×4 treated) near the back wall
- If you add a winch or roof rack, re-check height clearance