Inclement Weather

General Information

Due to weather variables, the time required to clear snow and ice from roads will vary. The City may not plow / sand roads at the same time each day or, on occasion, even the same day as the storm depending on the following conditions:

• Snow storm intensity
• Snow storm duration
• Temperature
• Time of day
• Traffic conditions

Winter Weather Safety

Report a Concern due to inclement weather

Tree Safety

When heavy snow and ice accumulate on tree limbs, even a slight breeze is enough force to cause them to come crashing down due to the unprecedented amount of weight. It’s best to let the precipitation melt on its own and for you and your family to stay away from the area during this process. Once thawed, inspect trees for broken branches that have detached and become tangled among other branches. If anything is touching or near a powerline, call the PGE Tree Hotline at 1-800-544-1794. Do not attempt to dislodge anything. Instead, wait until someone has inspected the tree and the area surrounding.

Procedures for Inclement Weather

• Plowing is scheduled to begin with an accumulation of approximately two or more inches of snow or as directed by the City Emergency Management Team.
• Limited sanding is done during a snowfall because falling snow covers the sand and it is scraped away on subsequent passes, requiring additional sanding.
• Subdivision roads will not be plowed if parked vehicles or other obstructions interfere with the safe and continuous operation of snow removal equipment. Equipment will return to plow after parked vehicles or obstructions are removed.
• School bus routes are assigned Priority 1 or 2 and given special attention.
• Operators will return to widen roads as conditions warrant. During a major storm, cleanup operations may be on-going for three to four days after the storm.
• Mailboxes installed along roadways are at the risk of the owner. Mailboxes damaged from lack of owner maintenance, snow load from plowing, or vandalism are not the responsibility of the City. Postal regulations require residents to clear snow in front of mailboxes to allow mail delivery.
• During winter, the freeze / thaw effects on pavement can rapidly form potholes. Crews will be dispatched as quickly as possible to repair potholes. Temporary materials must be used during winter and may not endure.
• Any street over a 12% grade may be subject to public closure. These streets will be evaluated and re-opened when the operation of equipment is no longer unsafe or a danger to the public.
  • The City will work closely, within our resources, with our local emergency services ensuring that response to these locations will not be affected.

If you have any question on these procedures, please contact the Public Works Department at (503) 783-3842.