Snow Gun Comparison chart
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- ❄️ Snow Output – 1"/Hr
- ❄️ Snow Coverage – 5'x12'
- 🛠️ Air Compressor – 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
- 🚿 Pressure Washer – Not Needed
- ❌ Expandable – NO
- ❄️ Snow Output – 1-6"/Hr
- ❄️ Max Snow Coverage – 12'x30'
- 🛠️ Air Compressor – 5 CFM @ 90 PSI
- 🚿 Pressure Washer – 1–6 GPM
- ✅ Expandable – YES
- ❄️ Snow Output – 5-10"/Hr
- ❄️ Max Snow Coverage – 20'x80'
- 🛠️ Air Compressor – 5 CFM @ 90 PSI
- 🚿 Pressure Washer – 1–10 GPM
- ✅ Expandable – YES
Snow Output
Snow output is measured in inches per hour ("/HR). The Little Cloud Snow Gun has a fixed output of approximately 1 inch of snow per hour.
For the Forecaster and Cold Front Snow Guns, snow output is primarily determined by the GPM (gallons per minute) of your pressure washer. As a general rule of thumb:
1 GPM ≈ 1 inch of snow per hour
Snow Coverage
Snow coverage is measured in feet (W' × L') and refers to the approximate area your snow gun can cover.
Actual coverage will vary depending on several factors, including pressure washer flow rate, temperature, humidity, wind, and snow gun setup.
Expandable
The Forecaster and Cold Front Snow Guns can be expanded with multiple pressure washers, allowing you to increase snow production over time.
Forecaster: Up to 6 GPM
Cold Front: Up to 10 GPM
Little Cloud: Fixed and not expandable
Start with one pressure washer and add more as your snowmaking needs grow.
Pressure Washer(s)
The Little Cloud Snow Gun uses a standard garden hose and does not require a pressure washer. The Forecaster and Cold Front Snow Guns require a pressure washer or high-pressure pump to provide the water flow needed for snowmaking.
The Forecaster works with common pressure washers rated between 1–6 GPM (gallons per minute). The Cold Front is designed for larger water sources and small commercial applications, using pumps rated between 5–10 GPM.
All pressure washers and high-pressure pumps should be rated at a minimum of 1,000 PSI. Pressures above 1,500 PSI will not improve snow quality or increase snow output, so there is no need to purchase a higher-pressure pump.
As long as your pump meets the required PSI and GPM range, it will work well with your Backyard Snowstorm snow gun.
Air Compressor
All three Backyard Snowstorm snow guns require an air compressor to operate.
Little Cloud: Minimum 4.5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Forecaster: Minimum 5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Cold Front: Minimum 5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Make sure your compressor meets or exceeds the required CFM rating at 90 PSI for your snow gun.