abstract:A Snow Guard is a device used to retain snow and ice from falling from one surface to a lower one; in contemporary usage they are installed to prevent snow/ice pack from avalanching and damaging people, plants, and property below. They are most commonly installed in multiples or rows on a structure's roof surface, as a form of avalanche control.
In Connecticut, where the storm dumped more than 3 feet of snow in some places, the National Guard rescued about 90 stranded motorists, taking a few to hospitals with hypothermia.
Gov. Bob McDonnell declared a state of emergency, state police extended shifts and National Guard called up 100 troops for snow duty as inches of wet, heavy snow fell across parts of the state -- knocking out power to nearly 180, 000 people.