Snow Removal Activation Plans

Snow Removal Activation:  

When the snow reaches a depth of 2 inches, plows are activated on all paved roads.  While it is snowing, the plow operators will make one or two passes depending on the width of the road.  The primary objective is to keep the main Level 1 roadways open for vehicle use.  After the snowstorm is completed, the plows will return to widen the roadways, and open drainages.  

Winter brings challenges for our community in the form of ice and snow. Although conditions can vary greatly throughout the valley, our Public Works department trains each year to prepare and meet the community's needs. We conduct training classes each fall with all staff to get them in the winter mindset and go over any changes to operations. The Fleet staff inspects all plow trucks and winter response equipment to ensure they are ready to deploy at the first sign of a storm. The majority of our storms fall under Class II.

Storm Classifications:

Winter storms are categorized into one of three classifications depending on the level of precipitation.

Class I:
Snow accumulations of no more than 1 inch in depth with imminent or present icy conditions and temperatures at or below freezing.

Response: Treatment of the roadway with abrasives. Resources will involve one or more plows depending on the size of the area affected by the storm.

Why do we do it this way? Plows are not effective on ice or snowfall less than 2 inches, and instead damage equipment and road surfaces. Adding abrasives in the form of ice slicer, sand, and cinder help with vehicle traction.

Class II:
Weather conditions include snow accumulations from 2 to 6 inches with current and forecasted temperatures at or below freezing.

Response: Deployment of a full crew (six plows) across all affected areas with plowing and abrasives used as needed.

Class III:
Weather conditions include snow accumulations of more than 6 inches with current and forecasted temperatures below freezing

Response: Deployment of a full crew (six plows) across all affected areas, with plowing and abrasives used as needed.
If the storm is forecasted to last across several shifts or days, a second crew is formed from other public works staff and deployed in shift rotations. Ensuring there is 24-hour coverage for the community until the storm has abated and driving conditions return to near-normal.

Our goal is to ensure that the most heavily traveled roads (arterial roads) and school bus routes are addressed first. The plow crews will not move on to lower-priority roads until they are sure the high-traffic routes have been made as safe as possible. Sometimes this means that they must clear roads multiple times, especially when snow is still falling. At times, the snow is falling faster than they can clear it, so second priority and residential roads may not be addressed until the storm has passed.

Level 1:
• Bear Valley Road
• Lower Valley Road
• Cumberland
• Lower San Juan
• Jacaranda
• Paramount
• Deertrail
• Skyline

‍
Level 2
• Oakflat
• Saddleback
• Rolling Oak
• Greenwater
• Starland
• Upper Pinedale
• Stirrup Way

Do not park your vehicle where it will interfere with snow removal operations.
If a vehicle has been abandoned or parked so that it interferes with snow removal operations, it will be up to the operator to determine whether or not he can safely plow a particular road.  If the operator determines that he/she cannot safely access or plow the road due to an abandoned or parked vehicle the road will not be plowed until the vehicle is moved.  Please be aware that during winter storms it can take several hours before a tow truck is available.  The operator cannot wait until the vehicle is moved, so the district may not receive snow removal services for many hours or even a day.

Snow Berms:  This office receives many complaints about snow berms in front of driveways.  The Public Works Roads Department does not have a berm removal program.  Therefore, each resident will receive a snow berm in front of their driveway.  Please keep in mind that if there is 1 foot of snow and the road is 10 feet wide, you can expect to receive up to 5 feet of snow in front of your driveway.

Cinder Spreading:  Cinders will be spread only on roads with hills and on an as-needed basis throughout the districts; however, tire chains should be carried at all times and used when needed.

Contact Information for Snow Removal Concerns:  During regular business hours, you may contact the CSD Office at (661) 821-4428, extension 3902.  After regular business hours and on weekends, please call the Public Works Director at (661) 805-9255.

‍