1. An open, slatted board fence usually 1–3 m high, placed upwind of a railroad track or highway. The fence serves to create eddies in the downstream airflow, resulting in a reduced wind speed such that snow is deposited close to the fence on its leeward side. The intent is to provide a comparatively clear zone along the railroad track or highway. A snow fence is also used to accumulate drifting snow in a flat windswept area to reduce the depth of ground frost and increase soil moisture as the snow melts. 2. Same as Wild fence.