Albedo is a measure of how much light is reflected off a surface. Clean snow reflects most light. Wood ashes absorb the sunlight to melt the snow. A similar effect can be achieved with dry sand or dusty soil (especially with low organic content). Gather it dry in a 5 gallon bucket during warm season, set aside until needed. It will not change the pH like ashes do.
Albedo is a measure of how much light is reflected off a surface. Clean snow reflects most light. Wood ashes absorb the sunlight to melt the snow. A similar effect can be achieved with dry sand or dusty soil (especially with low organic content). Gather it dry in a 5 gallon bucket during warm season, set aside until needed. It will not change the pH like ashes do.