Ice Throw

Various weather conditions can cause ice and snow to fall or be thrown from wind turbines.

Risk of Ice Throw

During the winter months, there will be periods when ice forms or snow accumulates on the wind turbines. During these times, there will be a risk of ice or snow falling or being thrown from the turbines. Please adhere to the 250-meter safety zone indicated by signs at the wind farm.

Situations that may pose a risk of ice throw or ice/snowfall can occur when ice builds up on the turbine blades, when wet snow accumulates on the blades, tower, or nacelle, or when icicles form due to freezing rain on the turbine. During the winter, there is always a risk of ice/snow falling from the nacelle and we recommend avoiding close proximity to the turbines. Read more about the weather conditions that can cause such situations (in Norwegian).

Factors that affect the risk of being exposed to ice throw/icefall:

  • The risk increases the closer you are to the turbines.
  • Be especially cautious when turbines are starting up after having been idle.
  • Check the weather forecast. The greatest risk of icing occurs with low cloud cover, when there has been or is fog or precipitation, and when temperatures are around 0°C.
  • Look if you can see ice or snow on the blades or on other parts of the turbine. Ice may also be present on the tower itself or icicles may be hanging from the top of the tower.
  • Never stand directly below the turbine.
  • Ice and snow will drift with the wind, so if you need to approach a turbine, you should walk with the wind at your back.

Ice Throw Warning

The warning below is based on meteorological data and indicates the probability of ice building up on the turbines. The warning is automatically updated four times a day and serves as a forecast. Therefore, it cannot be used as a definitive indicator that there is no risk of icing. The warning is intended as a supplement to the signs at the wind farm to help assess personal risk.

Kjeller Vindteknikk has conducted a risk analysis of cloud-icing conditions at the Kvitfjell Raudfjell wind farm (in Norwegian).