The Hidden Danger of Snow-Covered Ice:
Slip and Fall Risks in New Hampshire Winters
Winter in New Hampshire brings stunning snowscapes and outdoor fun, but it also hides a serious threat: snow-covered ice, often called black ice. This nearly invisible hazard turns sidewalks, driveways, parking lots, and steps into dangerous zones, leading to thousands of slip-and-fall accidents each year.
As a Manchester-based personal injury attorney with over 20 years of experience helping victims across the Granite State, I've seen firsthand how these falls cause devastating injuries—from broken bones to head trauma—and the financial and emotional toll they take. At Joseph Kelly Levasseur, PLLC, we fight for people injured due to negligent property maintenance during winter.
If you've slipped on hidden ice, you may have a claim under New Hampshire premises liability laws.
This guide explains the risks, why they're common here, prevention tips, and your rights if injured.
What Makes Snow-Covered Ice So Treacherous?
Snow-covered ice forms when fresh snow hides existing ice or when melted snow refreezes beneath a new layer. Black ice, a thin transparent glaze, blends perfectly with pavement, offering no visual warning. It often appears overnight from dew, runoff, or freeze-thaw cycles—even without recent snow. In New Hampshire's fluctuating temperatures, a warm day followed by a cold night creates widespread black ice on walkways and lots. Pedestrians step confidently onto what looks like safe ground, only to slip suddenly.
The Devastating Impact of Winter Slip-and-Fall Accidents
These falls aren't minor mishaps. They cause severe injuries like fractures, sprains, concussions, and traumatic brain injuries—especially dangerous for older adults. Nationally, over 1 million people seek emergency care annually for ice- and snow-related falls, with thousands proving fatal.In New Hampshire, harsh winters amplify the problem. Falls rank as a top cause of injury, particularly on untreated sidewalks and parking areas. Property owners must maintain safe conditions, including prompt snow and ice removal, but failures lead to preventable accidents with high medical costs, lost wages, and long-term pain.
Why New Hampshire Sees So Many Ice-Related Falls
Our state's heavy snowfall—often over 60 inches annually, and far more in the mountains—combined with frequent thaws and refreezes, creates ideal conditions for hidden ice. Urban areas like Manchester see refreezing on plowed surfaces, while rural spots hide black ice under light snow. Under New Hampshire law, property owners (commercial or residential) owe a duty of reasonable care to keep premises safe. This includes treating or warning about ice hazards. Unlike some states with "storm in progress" protections, NH requires ongoing reasonable efforts. If negligence—like ignoring known ice—causes a fall, the owner may face liability. New Hampshire uses modified comparative negligence: you can recover damages if your fault is less than the property owner's.
Practical Tips to Avoid Slips on Snow-Covered Ice
Stay safer with these steps:
- Wear boots with excellent traction; add ice cleats for extra grip.
- Walk slowly with short, flat-footed steps—scan for glossy patches under snow.
- Property owners: Shovel promptly, apply salt or sand, and fix drainage issues.
- Stay alert after temperature swings and check forecasts for refreeze risks.
Contact Joseph Kelly Levasseur, PLLC today at (603) 622-7575 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We're available 24/7 to discuss your case and guide you toward fair recovery. Stay safe this winter—awareness and caution can prevent tragedy.