This is a good reminder that "all real estate is local." Closer to the mountains, in towns like Leavenworth and Plain you don't see as many gutters.  Heavy snowloads tend to rip them off of roofs. Here we have steep metal roofs. It's important to have big overhanging eaves that move the snow far enough away from the house to keep the moisture away.

Hi Steven!   I have written a couple posts on gutter,too - they are so important!

We need them here in Florida as well. With the heavy rain we get in the Summer, it is important to get the water away from the house to avoid decay and in some cases flooding.

Geordie,

When we get up towards Mt Baker, we see lots of houses and cabins without gutters for the reason you mention -- snow. On the other hand, often the exterior walls will show the stains and splashing caused by missing gutters. I know a log home company that suggests removable gutters up at Baker. Put them in during the rainy season, take them out during the snow. Also, far as WA state goes, in eastern or western WA, gutters should be installed. I know that there are way fewer gutters on the east side.

We also have the problem of water in the basement and getting it away from the foundation helps. Thanks

Hi Steve,

Another response to Geordie:  There is a way to install gutters on houses with big snow loads.  It is used on a lot of new homes in snow country.  The roof material, usually steel, is extended farther past the fascia.  The gutters are then installed lower on the fascia in such a manner that the sliding snow misses them (below the slide line).  Dripping water falls into them.  I have inspected houses near Mt. Baker with this setup and it appears to work beautifully.