City Crews Modify Operations for Snow Event

Kirstin Davis, Communications Manager, 509.625.7773

Sunday, February 16, 2025 at 5:02 p.m.

City plow crews have made good progress in the primary arterials and are working on the secondary routes. The warmer temperatures are helping with the response. Staff are assessing areas throughout the City for conditions and are modifying operations accordingly.

Crews will continue to treat and clear primary and secondary arterial routes during the night shift and move into the higher-elevation residential areas with the most snow if possible. Currently, the forecast indicates warmer temperatures over the next several days. This will allow crews to focus on performing a maintenance plow in the residential hill routes of all four City quadrants that have the most snow.

The community is reminded that snow response priority starts with arterials and hills with secondary routes including schools and hospitals following and then working in residential areas. These routes often include applying materials such as sand and deicer. The Streets Department has four designated material sites around the City reducing the amount of time it takes for drivers to replenish their supplies and get back on course.

Plow teams in residential areas will use snow gates to reduce berms at the end of driveways as much as possible. Crews will work to plow snow away from the curb to help keep snow away from sidewalks. Snow also may be pushed to center medians in some cases.

When driving in these wintry conditions, the City is asking motorists to slow down, be patient, and drive according to the conditions. Don't follow plows closely, and please do not try to pass plow trucks; it is very dangerous.

A reminder of how the community can help:

  • Vehicles should be parked on the odd side of the street in residential areas to assist plows. Berms are likely in front of cars, even those parked on the odd side of the street. The parking restrictions are intended to allow plow drivers to do a better job of clearing snow in neighborhoods and to complete their work more efficiently.
  • The City asks residents and businesses to clear a 36-inch pedestrian path on sidewalks. Please assist your neighbors who may need help removing snow from their driveways and sidewalks. 
  • Don’t blow or shovel snow into the street, but back into your yard. 
  • Clear snow off parked cars to allow plow drivers to see them better.
  • Consider clearing snow and ice around mailboxes and storm drains.
  • Downed trees and large limbs in the right of way should be reported to 311.