Lesson 35 — Handling Weather, Seasonal Limitations & Poor Visibility

(How to Document What You Can See)**

Weather and seasonal conditions can limit your ability to see grass height, property condition, damage, or occupancy indicators. This lesson teaches you how to properly document what is visible and how to explain what is not visible so NMFS and clients fully understand the limitations of your inspection.

1. Weather Conditions Can Limit What You Can Document

Common conditions that affect visibility:

  • Rain

  • Snow

  • Ice

  • Fog

  • Low light

  • Heavy cloud cover

  • High wind

  • Debris blown around

  • Flooding

  • Standing water

In poor conditions, never guess.
Only report what you can see.

2. Snow-Covered Properties

 

 

Snow can hide:

  • Grass height

  • Yard debris

  • Trip hazards

  • Driveways and walkways

  • Damage to exterior surfaces

  • Low structural defects

A. What You Must Do

  • Take wide photos showing snow coverage

  • Take close-ups where possible

  • Document all visible areas

  • Explain in notes exactly what snow is blocking

B. Example Note

“Property and yard fully covered in snow. Unable to determine grass height or condition of walkway. Exterior structure visible; no damages observed from available vantage points.”

Clear communication prevents rejections.

3. Rainy or Wet Conditions

 

 

Rain affects:

  • Photo clarity

  • Meter readability

  • Safe access to the front door

  • Exterior damage visibility

  • Slip hazards on steps or porches

A. What You Must Do

  • Wipe lens frequently

  • Take photos under porch/awning when possible

  • Step back for safer positioning

  • Note any areas unsafe to approach

B. Example Note

“Heavy rain limited visibility. Able to access front door safely. Photos taken from covered porch; yard condition partially obscured by rain.”

4. Low Light / Nighttime Issues

 

Inspections should be done in daylight whenever possible.

Nighttime creates:

  • Blurry photos

  • Poor color accuracy

  • Incorrect occupancy assumptions

  • Difficulty verifying address

  • Safety concerns

If an inspection must be attempted after dark:

  • Use your phone flashlight only for safety, not photography

  • Take what photos you can

  • Note lighting limitations clearly

Example Note

“Insufficient daylight for clear yard and structure photos. Completed required photos to best ability; return recommended during daylight.”

Clients prefer honesty to unusable photos.

5. Fog, Mist, and Low Visibility

Fog can obscure:

  • Rooflines

  • Siding condition

  • Yard boundaries

  • Address numbers

A. What You Must Do

  • Take photos of fog conditions

  • Get as close as is safe

  • Document what is visible

  • Explain in notes what is obstructed

B. Example Note

“Dense fog reduced visibility beyond 20–30 ft. Front structure visible; left/right sides obscured. Photos attached showing weather conditions.”

6. Vegetation Limiting Visibility

Overgrown vegetation can block:

  • Siding

  • Windows

  • Steps

  • Doors

  • Meters

  • Address numbers

A. Required Actions

  • Take photos of vegetation blocking view

  • Take wide shots showing blockage

  • Do not push through bushes or approach unsafe areas

  • Explain limitations in notes

B. Example Note

“Heavy vegetation covering left-side elevation. Unable to safely view meter location. Photos attached.”

7. Flooding & Standing Water

Flooding may prevent:

  • Access to front door

  • Clear photos

  • Viewing of foundation

  • Yard visibility

A. Required Actions

  • Never walk through deep or unknown water

  • Take photos from safe distance

  • Document water depth if visible

  • Note any hazards

B. Example Note

“Standing water covering walkway to front door. Unable to safely reach door for contact attempt. Photos provided.”

Safety always comes first.

8. Wind & Storm Debris

Windstorms can cause:

  • Flying debris

  • Downed branches

  • Temporary hazards

  • Debris blocking driveways

A. Required Actions

  • Stay at safe distance

  • Photograph debris clearly

  • Note if debris prevents access

B. Example Note

“Large branch down in front yard from windstorm. Safe distance maintained. Contact attempt performed from front porch.”

9. How to Write Notes About Weather Limitations

Your notes must:

  • State the weather condition

  • Explain what could not be viewed

  • Describe what was observed

  • Never guess about hidden areas

Examples

Good:

“Snow fully covering yard; grass height not visible.”

Bad:

“Grass probably tall under snow.”

Good:

“Dark lighting prevented clear photo of right side.”

Bad:

“Right side looks fine.”

Honesty and transparency matter.

10. Photos MUST Show the Limitation

If weather blocks visibility, you must photograph the limitation itself:

Examples:

  • Snow covering yard

  • Rain on lens / wet conditions

  • Fog in background

  • Vegetation blockage

  • Floodwater

  • Darkness limiting visibility

A client must be able to see the limitation in your photos.

Summary

When poor weather or visibility affects an inspection:

  1. Document what you can see

  2. Photograph the limitation itself

  3. Write clear notes explaining the issue

  4. Never guess or assume hidden conditions

  5. Prioritize safety

  6. Use daylight when possible

This ensures accuracy and protects both you and NMFS from client rejection or liability.

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