Microsoft® SQL Server 2012 Unleashed

Snapshot Sparse File Size Management

Sparse file size is probably the most critical aspect to deal with when managing database snapshots. It is imperative that you keep a close watch on the growing size of any (and all) database snapshot sparse files you create. If your snapshot runs out of space because you didn’t manage file size well, it becomes suspect and is not available to use. The only path out of this scenario is to drop the snapshot and re-create it. Following are some issues to consider for sparse files:

Monitor sparse files regularly. Make use of stored procedures such as the sp_SSU_SNAPSHOTSIZE stored procedure to help with this situation. ...