The best snow gun for you will mainly depend on the size of your yard or area, and how quickly you want to make snow! Each snow gun will have a different range of area coverage and size of pressure washer it can handle. Here are some good approximations that may help visualize your options:

Little Cloud: 5ft x 12ft area @ ~1 in of snow per hour

Forecaster: 12ft x 25ft-50ft @ ~1-6 in of snow per hour (depends on the pressure washer)

Cold Front: 20ft x 25ft-80ft @ ~1-10 in of snow per hour (depends on the pressure washer)

Snow Cannon: 30ft x 50ft-150ft @ ~1-15 in of snow per hour (depends on the pressure washer)

We do offer packages with everything you need to make snow except the pressure washer and air compressor. Purchasing brand name air compressors and pressure washers from Home Depot or Lowes will help you save money! We recommend purchasing our "Snow Gun Packages" then using your own pressure washer and air compressor or buying them at the hardware store.

For serious snowmakers and those looking for a commercial-grade pressure washer, we do offer our IDM2.1 GPM Pressure Washer at a competitive price.

Yes! Our systems are designed to work perfectly with standard household equipment. The larger snow guns can also handle bigger pumps with commercial power requirements.

The total cost will depend on what equipment you plan to use and how much snow you'd like to make! Here's some broad estimates depending on if you use your own equipment or purchase everything yourself:

Little Cloud (smallest output): ~$400-$1,000 depending on the equipment used.

Forecaster (standard output): ~$600-$2,500 depending on the equipment used.

Cold Front (high output capability): ~$1,000-$5,000 depending on the equipment used.

Snow Cannon (high output + large area capability): ~$3,000-$9,000 depending on the equipment used.

Setting up a Backyard Snowstorm system is easier than most people expect—and you don’t need any special tools or experience to get started.

Our snow guns arrive fully assembled and tested, so setup mostly involves connecting your pressure washer, air compressor, and water supply using standard hoses and quick-connect fittings. If you’re using the Little Cloud, it’s even simpler—just hook it up to a garden hose and compressor.

We provide step-by-step setup guides and videos to walk you through the process, and most users are up and running in 30 to 60 minutes on their first time. Once you’ve done it once, you’ll be even faster the next time around.

If you ever get stuck or have a question, our support team is ready to help!

We’ve made it easy to get help whenever you need it—whether you’re setting up for the first time or snowmaking like a pro.

Start with Flake, our smart support chatbot available 24/7 on our website. Flake can access all of our setup guides, troubleshooting content, blog articles, and product FAQs to give you fast, specific answers. It’s like having a snowmaking expert on call any time you need it.

For deep learning, check out our Learn Center, packed with detailed guides, videos, and informational pages to help you get the most out of your system. You’ll also find helpful insights in our Blog, where we cover snowmaking tips, equipment breakdowns, and real stories from the snowmaker community.

If you ever need personal help, you can always reach our team. We’re here to make sure your snowmaking experience is smooth, fun, and successful.

To set up your Backyard Snowstorm system, you'll need a few standard hoses and fittings—most of which are commonly available.

For the water supply, a standard garden hose connects to the snow gun or your pressure washer. Your pressure washer hose should have 3/8" standard quick-connect fittings, which attach directly to the snow gun’s water inlet.

For the air supply, use a standard air hose with a 1/4" industrial quick-connect fitting—the same fitting used on most portable air compressors.

While standard hoses will work, we offer upgraded air and pressure washer hoses made with high-quality rubber that stays flexible in cold temperatures. These hoses are easier to manage in freezing weather and come with the correct quick-connect fittings already installed—perfect for frequent or overnight snowmaking.

Yes, Backyard Snowstorm systems are safe to operate when used properly and with common-sense precautions. Any time you’re working with high-pressure water and air, safety should always be a priority.

All of our products are pressure-rated and tested before they leave our warehouse to ensure safe operation. The system is designed to be user-friendly and reliable, but it’s important not to modify or substitute parts with components that aren’t rated for high pressure—doing so can be dangerous.

When setting up or disconnecting air and water hoses, always use caution. Make sure the system is depressurized before disconnecting any lines, and never point the snow gun, pressure washer hose, or air hose near your face or others. The high-velocity spray of water and ice crystals can cause serious injury, especially to the eyes.

We also recommend wearing basic safety gear when operating the system, such as safety glasses, gloves, and warm protective clothing.

With proper setup and attention to instructions, the system is very safe to use and brings a fun, real snowmaking experience right to your backyard.

In most cases, it’s okay to leave your snowmaking system running unattended for short periods, especially once everything is properly set up and running smoothly. Our snow guns are built for continuous operation, and after initial startup, they often run without issues for hours at a time.

That said, we always recommend checking on your system periodically—just to be safe. While problems are unlikely after setup, things can happen. For example, a tripped breaker could shut off your pressure washer or compressor, ice buildup in the air hose could reduce performance, or a kinked or restricted hose could lead to wetter snow. Even strong wind or blowing snow could shift part of your setup and affect spray direction or coverage.

These kinds of issues are rare, but higher-flow systems (like the Cold Front or Snow Cannon) move a lot more water—so if something does go wrong, the impact can be bigger.

If you’re planning to run your system overnight or unattended, just make sure everything is secure, hoses are insulated, and weather conditions are stable. A quick check every so often ensures consistent performance and helps you catch anything early.

Yes—you can make snow at night, and it’s often the best time to do so. Temperatures are typically colder and more consistent overnight, which leads to better snow quality and faster accumulation. Many snowmakers run their systems overnight to take full advantage of ideal conditions.

As for snowmaking during natural snowfall, it’s possible, but generally not recommended. While the system will still function, heavy or wet snow from the storm can build up on the snow gun and nozzles, potentially restricting spray patterns and reducing performance.

If you do choose to make snow during a storm, keep a close eye on the snow gun and clear off any accumulation around the nozzles to maintain proper spray. In most cases, it’s better to wait until the storm passes—or make snow before or after the storm hits.

For the best results, aim to run your system in clear, cold conditions with minimal wind.

Snow output depends on three key factors: water flow, weather conditions, and nucleation efficiency.

Water flow is the most important. Snow guns work by turning water into tiny frozen particles, and the more water you run through the system, the more snow you can make. Water flow is measured in GPM (gallons per minute). As a general rule, 1 GPM = about 1 inch of snow per hour, assuming weather conditions are right. The Little Cloud operates at a fixed 0.7 GPM, while the Forecaster, Cold Front, and Snow Cannon support higher GPM ranges and require a pressure washer or pump. Using a higher-GPM washer (within the model’s limits) increases your snow output.

Weather conditions play a critical role in how efficiently that water turns into snow. Snowmaking works best when the wet bulb temperature is 27°F or lower. In colder, drier conditions—especially below 25°F—you’ll get faster accumulation, fluffier snow, and better overall quality. In borderline conditions, snow will still form, but it may be denser, wetter, and slower to build up.

Nucleation efficiency is what makes the snowmaking process work. Each Backyard Snowstorm gun includes a professionally engineered nucleation nozzle that forms tiny ice crystals. These act as the foundation for real snowflakes to form in the air. Without proper nucleation, you’ll just spray mist. Our nucleation and misting nozzles are designed to create consistent, fine crystals and ensure efficient snow production—even in less-than-ideal conditions.

In short: more water = more snow output, cold air = better accumulation, and great nucleation = optimal snow production.

To make real snow, the wet-bulb temperature must be 27°F (-3°C) or colder. Wet-bulb temperature is a combination of air temperature and humidity—so in drier conditions, snow can form even if the air temperature is slightly above 27°F.

For the best snow quality and faster accumulation, the ideal wet-bulb temperature is 20°F (-7°C) or lower. At that point, snow forms quickly, is light and fluffy, and builds up beautifully.

You can use our Snowmaking Weather Chart to check the wet-bulb temperature in your area and see if conditions are right. If you're close to the limit, it's best to wait until temperatures drop a few more degrees to get the best results.

The longevity of your snow depends on the weather and how much you make. In cold, shaded conditions (below freezing), snow can last for days or even weeks. If temperatures rise above freezing, snow may start to melt within hours—especially in direct sunlight or on dark surfaces like asphalt.

For best results, make snow during overnight cold spells and pile it in shaded or insulated areas. The more snow you make and the denser you pack it, the longer it will stick around.

Snow throw distance depends on the snow gun model and the water flow rate (GPM) of your pressure washer. While PSI can influence performance, it’s the internal pressure inside the snow gun—achieved by selecting the correct nozzle—that ultimately controls how far the snow is thrown and how well it forms.

The Little Cloud typically throws snow up to 12 feet and covers an area of approximately 5 feet by 12 feet. It’s ideal for small backyards, sledding paths, or decorative applications.

The Forecaster throws snow between 25 and 50 feet, depending on your setup. It covers an area around 12 feet by 25 to 50 feet.

The Cold Front increases throw distance to about 25 to 80 feet, with coverage in the range of 20 feet by 25 to 80 feet.

The Snow Cannon offers the greatest reach, throwing snow between 50 and 150 feet. It covers an expansive area of roughly 30 feet by 50 to 150 feet, making it ideal for hills, events, or full-yard snow coverage.

To achieve these throw ranges, it's essential to use the correct nozzle for your pressure washer’s GPM.

Yes, you can use your own pressure washer and air compressor if they meet the right specs. The most important thing is your pressure washer’s GPM (gallons per minute). GPM determines how much snow you can make and which snow gun will work best with your setup. Each snow gun is designed for a different flow range. Your pressure washer also needs to produce at least 1,000 PSI.

For the air compressor, the Little Cloud needs at least 4.5 CFM at 90 PSI, and all other snow guns need 5 CFM at 90 PSI or more. Your compressor must be able to keep that airflow going the whole time you’re making snow.

Each Backyard Snowstorm snow gun is designed with a specific snow output, coverage area, and equipment setup in mind. The best choice for you depends on how much snow you want to make, how large your space is, and whether you're using your own equipment or buying everything new.

Little Cloud
The Little Cloud is our smallest and most beginner-friendly snow gun. It connects directly to a standard garden hose, so no pressure washer is required. It covers about 5 feet by 12 feet and produces around 0.7 to 1 inch of snow per hour. Snow throw distance is up to 12 feet. It’s perfect for small yards, walkways, or decorative snow.
Water source: Garden hose

Forecaster (Best Seller)
The Forecaster is a great all-around snow gun for medium-sized yards. It works with most consumer-grade pressure washers and covers an area of about 12 feet by 25–50 feet. It produces between 1 and 6 inches of snow per hour, depending on your pressure washer’s GPM, and throws snow 25 to 50 feet.
Water source: Pressure washer or pump

Cold Front
The Cold Front is designed for higher-output snowmaking and larger spaces. We recommend a higher-flow pressure washer or pump to cover an area around 20 feet by 25–80 feet. Snow output ranges from 1 to 10 inches per hour, with throw distances between 25 and 80 feet.
Water source: Pressure washer or pump

Snow Cannon
The Snow Cannon is our largest and most powerful model, ideal for full-yard coverage, hills, and small commercial applications. It handles up to 15 GPM, covers an area of 30 feet by 50–150 feet, and produces up to 15 inches of snow per hour. It can throw snow from 50 to 150 feet, depending on your setup.
Water source: Pressure washer or pump

Noise levels depend on your equipment setup. Electric pressure washers and air compressors usually operate at 70 to 80 decibels, which is about as loud as a vacuum cleaner. Gas-powered pressure washers and air compressors can reach 85 to 100 decibels, similar to a lawn mower or leaf blower. The snow gun itself is relatively quiet, producing a steady hissing sound around 40 to 50 decibels—comparable to a quiet conversation or running faucet.

If you want to reduce noise, there are a few ways to do it. Choosing electric equipment with induction motors can make a big difference—they’re much quieter and smoother than brushless or universal motors. Running your equipment from a garage or shed (electric only) helps contain the sound. If you're operating outdoors, fences, barriers, or acoustic enclosures can also reduce noise impact. For even quieter performance, consider using an oil-lubricated air compressor designed for low-noise operation.

Keep in mind that while outdoor setups offer better airflow and cooling, a garage or shed-based system with properly insulated hoses is a great option if you're snowmaking at night or in a neighborhood with close homes.

While gas pressure washers are known for their durability, we recommend commercial-grade electric pressure washers for most home snowmaking setups—especially in residential areas or overnight use. Electric models are quieter, easier to operate, and can be run from a garage or shed, helping reduce noise and protect equipment from freezing.

Our IDM 2.1 GPM Pressure Washer and the trusted AR 610 are built for continuous-duty operation, offering reliable performance over 5 to 10 snowmaking seasons with proper care.

Gas pressure washers are rugged and capable of long run times, but they’re much louder, must be used outdoors, and require refueling. If they run out of gas mid-session, pressure can drop suddenly, causing an unwanted ice pile. They’re best suited for open areas where noise and exhaust aren’t an issue.

For occasional use, residential electric pressure washers can be a budget-friendly starting point. They’re easy to set up and work well for short snowmaking sessions. However, they’re not built for long run times and typically last 1 to 2 seasons before wearing out.

If you're serious about snowmaking, a commercial electric unit offers the best mix of quiet operation, long-term reliability, and performance.

Orders typically ship the same day if placed before 1:00 PM Mountain Time. All products are pre-assembled, tested, and ready to go, so there’s no delay waiting on build time.

We ship from our warehouse in Utah, and offer multiple shipping options at checkout—including Ground (Standard), 3-Day, 2nd Day Air, and Next Day Air. Delivery times will vary depending on your location and the option you select.

Orders placed after 1:00 PM or on weekends will ship the next business day.

Yes, Backyard Snowstorm ships internationally. If you're located outside the United States or Canada, please email us at support@backyardsnowstorm.com for a custom shipping quote.

Please note: any additional customs fees, import duties, or taxes are the responsibility of the customer and may be collected by your local customs agency upon delivery.

We want you to feel confident in your snowmaking purchase, and we understand that sometimes plans change. Here’s how our return policy works:

Real Snowmakers (Little Cloud, Forecaster, Cold Front, and Snow Cannon):

All of our snow guns come with a 30-day return window. For pre-orders placed before September 15th, returns are accepted through October 15th.

If your item is unopened, you can return it for a refund minus a 10% restocking fee and shipping costs.

If your item has been opened or used, we apply a 25% re-testing fee to cover cleaning, inspection, and recalibration, plus return shipping.

If the item shows significant wear or damage, we may need to adjust the refund further to account for repair or replacement costs, but we’ll always be fair and transparent about it.

Each snow gun is hand-assembled and tested in our warehouse in Draper, Utah. Because snowmaking is a seasonal product with limited production inventory, our return policy helps us maintain the quality and availability that our customers rely on.

If you have questions about your return or want help troubleshooting before sending anything back, feel free to reach out to our team! We’re here to help!

We stand behind the quality of our snow guns and want you to feel confident in your purchase.

Real Snowmakers (Little Cloud, Forecaster, Cold Front, and Snow Cannon):

All Backyard Snowstorm snow guns are backed by a 2-year limited warranty. This covers any manufacturing defects, assembly issues, or shipping damage. If something goes wrong under normal use, we’ll repair or replace the affected parts—no hassle.

The warranty applies to issues that occur under normal operating conditions. If a product is used outside of those conditions or is outside the warranty period, we still offer repair support at no labor charge. You’ll only be responsible for shipping and any replacement part costs. We do this to help keep your snow gun running season after season—because we know how important reliability is.

Please note: This warranty does not apply to pressure washers, air compressors, or other third-party equipment used with the system.

If you ever experience an issue or need help with a repair, reach out to our team. We’re here to help and committed to keeping you happy with your purchase!

Yes, you can! Using multiple pressure washers with a single snow gun is a great way to increase your total water flow (GPM)—which directly increases how much snow you can make.

In snowmaking, water flow is everything. A general rule of thumb is that 1 GPM = roughly 1 inch of snow per hour. So, if you want to make 3 inches of snow per hour, you'll need 3 GPM flowing into your snow gun. If you don't have one high-output pressure washer, you can combine two or more smaller ones to reach your desired GPM.

This is done by splitting your water supply between multiple pressure washers and then combining their output into a high-pressure manifold that feeds a single snow gun. This method allows you to get high snow output while using smaller, more affordable equipment—especially helpful if you're working with standard 110V power outlets common in most homes.

Another benefit is flexibility. A multi-pressure washer setup allows you to run 1, 2, or more units depending on how much snow you want to make, giving you control over output based on your needs.

Keep in mind, this setup does require extra hoses, fittings, and a bit more prep time, and you’ll want to make sure each pressure washer is plugged into separate power outlets or breakers to avoid tripping your circuits.

If you're not ready to invest in a large commercial machine, this is an effective way to scale your snowmaking using the equipment you already have, or can easily add over time.

Yes—there are ways to adjust snow quality, but the most effective factor by far is temperature and humidity. In general, we recommend waiting for colder, drier weather if you can. Lower temps naturally lead to lighter, fluffier snow and better overall results.

That said, if you’re working in marginal conditions and want to improve snow quality, there are a few ways to optimize your setup. The most impactful adjustment is controlling the size of the water droplets being sprayed. Smaller droplets freeze faster, which can improve snow formation even when temperatures are borderline.

You can reduce droplet size by slightly increasing the water pressure inside the snow gun, which shears the water into a finer mist. Just keep in mind this also sends more water to the nucleation nozzle, so you’ll want to balance that by regulating the flow with a needle valve. The Cold Front and Snow Cannon include this valve by default, and it can be added to the Little Cloud or Forecaster if you’d like more control.

While some people try cooling the water before snowmaking, we’ve found that controlling droplet size is more effective for improving snow in less-than-ideal weather.

Our snow guns are designed to be plug-and-play and perform well without any special tuning—but if you enjoy experimenting or want to fine-tune your system, we’re here to help. You can always reach out to our team for advice or optimization tips.

In snowmaking, nucleation is the process of mixing air and water to create the tiny ice crystals that snow builds around. This can be done in two main ways: external mixing and internal mixing.

In an externally mixed system, air and water exit from separate nozzles and mix in the air just after leaving the snow gun. This setup is safe and simple but tends to be less efficient, producing larger droplets that don’t freeze as easily—especially in borderline conditions.

Some DIY setups use internally mixed snow guns, where air and water combine inside the piping before exiting one nozzle. While this can improve mixing, it’s not safe—if air pressure drops for any reason (like a tripped breaker or iced compressor hose), high-pressure water can backflow into the air line, potentially damaging your compressor or piping.

Backyard Snowstorm uses a commercial-style internally mixed nucleator—a small, external chamber where air and water mix just before spraying. This design gives you the superior mixing and fine droplet size of internal nucleation, without any backflow risk. It’s the same approach used in most commercial snow guns, and we add a check valve for added safety.

So while internally mixed snow guns are risky, our internally mixed nucleation nozzle is purpose-built for safe, high-performance snowmaking.