Snow-How: Tips & Reminders for Keeping our Roads Safe During Winter Weather

It’s beginning to look a lot like….SNOW! The snow season is upon us! Preparation is key – be ready for falling flakes with a few important facts and reminders:

The City begins its snow-plowing process once 4 inches of snow has accumulated, or as conditions may require. Our dedicated plow drivers do their best to ensure our roads are clear of snow and sand slick spots the best they can.

Plow Priorities In Order: 

  1. Emergency Services Routes
  2. Bus Routes and Sidewalks to Area Schools
  3. Primary Roads and Public Parking Areas
  4. Secondary Roads
  5. Alley-ways and cul-de-sacs
  6. Continue sanding as needed

The crews work hard during snow events. To help make their jobs easier, for the benefit of the community, please remember these helpful hints:

  • Please do not park on the side of the road, or in the City’s right-of- way.  City Crews need room to clear the streets and sidewalks properly.
  • Snow that has been cleared from private property must be deposited in a ditch line, behind the sidewalk, or behind the curb and gutter. (WPMC 12.02.010)
  • Remember when plowing and clearing snow from your driveway or parking lot, do not plow snow from private property onto public streets or sidewalks. (WPMC 12.02.010)
  • Keep garbage cans off the streets, so snow plows do not hit them during their plow route.
  • Do not let your children play in roadside snowbanks or parking lot snow piles.  As plow drivers clear snow and remove snow from storage areas, children could be in danger of snow collapse or being hit by a plow truck.
  • Please wear bright colors when walking on the road in the dark.  During snow events, plow drivers are often out early before the sun rises.  The darkness, in combination with the billowing snow kicked up by the plow, makes it difficult to see pedestrians dressed in dark colors on the roadway.
  • Keep your culverts free of snow and ice.

We thank you for your cooperation as safety for all is our number one priority. Please remember to give our plows ample space to clear our roads.  

Stay safe, Woodland Park!