Community Services District Winter Weather Procedures and Preparedness
Winter weather is on the way! As we get into our snowy season, the Bear Valley Community Services District wants to ensure that all residents are informed and prepared.
The following information outlines how we will communicate road conditions, how we prioritize snowplow operations, and what you can do to help keep our community safe and accessible during winter storms.
HOW WE WILL ALERT YOU
We will send alerts through Nixle, our website, the front gate marquee, and social media (Facebook, Nextdoor, Instagram, LinkedIn) when either 4-wheel drive or chains are required, or when roads are closed.
If you haven’t signed up for Nixle, you can do so here: www.bvcsd.com/nixle.
We will also be updating our hotline, 661-771-3908, as conditions change.
SNOWPLOW ACTIVATION AND PRIORITIES
Our snow removal teams will be on standby whenever snow is in the forecast and will be deployed as conditions warrant. While all roads are important, our priority will be to clear the main arteries. These are broken down into two levels, with Level 1 roads taking higher priority:
Level 1:
• Bear Valley Road
• Lower Valley Road
• Cumberland Road
• Lower San Juan Drive
• Jacaranda Drive
• Paramount Drive
• Deertrail Drive
• Skyline Drive
Level 2
• Oakflat Drive
• Saddleback Drive
• Rolling Oak Drive
• Greenwater Drive
• Starland Drive
• Upper Pinedale Drive
• Stirrup Way
Please be aware that it may take some time for our plows to reach higher elevations and smaller side roads, so plan accordingly when snow is forecast. We may also need to close the gate periodically to clear Bear Valley Road.
KEEP ROADS FREE OF OBSTRUCTIONS
If snow is in the forecast, move your vehicles and other obstructions off the roads. Our plow crews cannot properly remove snow when the roads and shoulders are obstructed, and we want to avoid the possibility of accidentally damaging personal property.
If a snowplow operator determines that they cannot safely access or plow the road due to an abandoned or parked vehicle, that road will not be plowed until the vehicle is moved.
Any vehicles left on the road during times when snow removal is required are subject to an administrative citation and/or towing.
BE PREPARED
Make sure you have a plan ready for snow days. If you are driving in the snow and get stuck, or reach a point where you can’t proceed further:
• If you can do so safely, turn around and go back the way you came.
• Move as far to the side of the road as safely possible.
• Turn on your emergency lights.
• Wait until snow removal equipment clears a path.
• If your destination is nearby and it is safe to do so, you may leave your vehicle and return later.
• If you do need to leave your vehicle, contact the Public Works Department so we can alert our snow removal teams and law enforcement to avoid towing and/or citations being issued:
-During regular business hours (8 am-430 pm, Mon-Fri): 661-821-4428, ext. 3902.
-After hours: 661-805-9255.
• Do not contact Bear Valley Police unless there is an emergency.
• If your engine is running and snow is piling up, check your tailpipe occasionally to make sure it is clear.
This is also a good opportunity to make sure you have emergency supplies in your vehicle. Recommended items include:
• Warm clothes
• Blankets
• Food and water
• Ice Scraper, small shovel, snow brush
• Flashlight
• First-aid kit
• Phone charger
• Jumper Cables
• Tire chains
• Flares and/or road triangles
• A bag of sand or cat litter (to help provide traction to your tires if you get stuck in snow/ice)
Please note: Private snowplows are not permitted on CSD-maintained roads.
Additionally, the Public Works Roads Department does not have a berm removal program. When plows are active, residents should expect a snow berm in front of their driveway. One foot of snow on a 10-foot-wide road will lead to up to five feet of additional snow in front of your driveway, so plan accordingly.
Thank you all for your support and cooperation, and for making this winter a safe one!