EVERETT – Snohomish County Public Works is prepared with the right people, equipment, and materials to handle winter weather on unincorporated roads across Snohomish County. As road maintenance crews prepare for the cold, residents can do the same by refamiliarizing themselves with useful tools and reminders to reference during snow and ice events.
- Snow and Ice Response webpage: Robust collection of resources and information from Snohomish County Public Works about how road maintenance crews prepare for winter weather and respond when it arrives.
- Snohomish County road closures map: Visual map and list of roads managed by Snohomish County Public Works that are closed in unincorporated Snohomish County. The map is updated regularly during daytime hours, Monday – Thursday, and outside of those hours during emergencies.
- Snohomish County Public Safety Hub: Webpage that is updated during emergencies, including severe winter weather, and provides resources and information about snowstorms, overnight cold weather shelters, and daytime warming center locations.
- Residents are highly encouraged to sign up for SnoCoAlerts, a crucial resource for important life-safety information.
- Snohomish County social media: Follow Snohomish County departments on social media for updated information during an emergency event.
Snohomish County Public Works’ Road Maintenance team is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of roads. Multiple snowplow runs and treatments may be required to keep primary routes passable. All other routes will be addressed based on priority, existing resources, and weather conditions. Anti-Icing liquid (Calcium Chloride) will be used in pre-determined areas when weather conditions are appropriate for this type of treatment.
The prioritization of snow and ice routes are based on traffic volume, access to emergency services, bus routes, terrain, and historical knowledge of problem areas. Emergencies affecting life and safety in a winter storm may alter these guidelines. Please do not contact Snohomish County Public Works more than once to request a single road section be plowed during a heavy snowfall event – prioritization does not change based on the number of public messages received on a single road section. Messages will be reviewed and requests will be submitted to the appropriate response team.
During snow/ice weather events, it’s also important to:
- Know who to call and when:
- Life-threatening emergencies – 911.
- Non-life threatening emergencies – 425-407-3999
- Give snowplows and anti-icing equipment plenty of room to work. Allow for a minimum following distance of 200 feet. If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the displaced snow and ice, or sand spray.
- Consider staying off the roads as much as possible. If you do need to travel, be sure to check road conditions before leaving and allow extra time to get to your destination.
- Move vehicles off the street that are parked along all major arterials and emergency routes. Vehicles left in the travel lane of a roadway and blocking traffic may be towed at the owner’s expense. Move vehicles when snow is in the forecast. Parking vehicles in the driveway and off the road helps the snowplows finish routes more quickly and efficiently.
- Pile any cleared snow from driveways away from walkways and to the left side as you face the house, especially closer to the road. This prevents the snowplow blade from pushing the material back into the driveway. Do not throw snow onto the road, as this creates obstructions in the roadway that can be hazardous.
- Keep drainage inlets near your home clear of leaves and debris to help reduce the chance of flooding.
- Remove garbage bins and other obstacles from the street when roads are icy or covered with snow.
- Obey “road closed” signs.
- Ensure vehicles are mechanically prepared for cold weather. Four-wheel drive, all-wheel drive or higher clearance vehicles reduce problems on secondary roads; have tire chains or traction tires readily available.
- Keep food, water and medical supplies in your home that will last up to one week. Monitor weather reports for more effective long term winter planning.
Relevant URLs:
- Snohomish County Public Works Snow and Ice Response webpage: https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/2113/Snow-and-Ice-Response
- Snohomish County Public Works road closure map: https://snoco-gis.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=15578784822345459c008d66ed1253ab
- Snohomish County Public Safety Hub: https://snohomish-county-public-safety-hub-snoco-gis.hub.arcgis.com/
About Snohomish County Public Works
Snohomish County Public Works is responsible for approximately 1,600 miles of county roads, more than 200 bridges, and manages in excess of 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 670,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the second-largest department within Snohomish County government with approximately 500 employees plus seasonal staff. Its main office is located at 3000 Rockefeller Ave, Everett, WA 98201. Visit www.snohomishcountywa.gov/PublicWorks or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, and X for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.
Source: Snohomish County Public Works
Author: Lynnwood Times Staff
