Snow, Ice, and Slip Hazards: Documentation Tips

Updated 2026-09-01

Weather is context, not the whole story

Ice storms create widespread risk, but property owners may still have duties about treated walkways, timing of clearing, and unnatural accumulations from drains or roofs.

Capture the weather timeline

Note when precipitation started and stopped, temperature trends, and whether melt-refreeze was likely. Pair that with photos of untreated patches next to cleared areas.

Footwear arguments

Insurers sometimes emphasize shoes. Photograph soles and describe the walking surface accurately without arguing the legal conclusion.