Snow Removal Process and Winter Readiness

Keeping Sammamish Safe: Snow Removal Process and Winter Readiness

As winter approaches, the City of Sammamish is gearing up to tackle the challenges that come with snow and ice. Sammamish experiences its fair share of winter weather, and the city is well-prepared to ensure the safety of its community members and commuters during these colder months.

Priority Routes and Resources

Sammamish’s snow removal process starts with a comprehensive plan. The city’s snow management strategy centers on four Priority Routes, served by twenty-four dedicated drivers working 12-hour shifts to provide snow response to the community 24 hours a day during snow events. With a mechanic and support staff on standby, the city is prepared to take on the challenges of winter head-on. These routes prioritize lifeline roads and are cleared until they are in optimal winter driving conditions. These routes are the primary roads for first responders to access areas of the city in an emergency or life-safety situation. View Snow and Ice Routes.

Fleet and Materials

To facilitate effective snow removal, Sammamish has twelve plow trucks equipped to carry a combination of road salt, sand, or liquid deicer. These essential vehicles are stationed at the Maintenance and Operations Center (MOC), strategically stocked with vital supplies. The MOC is equipped to store an impressive 250 yards of road salt (equivalent to a staggering 540,000 pounds) and 35,000 gallons of liquid deicer.

Adapting to Changing Conditions

Sammamish’s response to winter storms is more than one-size-fits-all. The effectiveness of our storm response varies based on several factors, including weather patterns, changing conditions, micro-climates, road temperatures, and the impacts of vehicles stranded or abandoned on the roadways. The city recognizes that each winter event is unique and adjusts its response accordingly.

Community Effort

In Sammamish, tackling snow and ice is a collaborative effort. Public Works and Parks crews come together to ensure the roads are safe for travel. In addition to plowing, these crews constantly monitor weather and road conditions, fuel vehicles, load supplies, and perform necessary repairs. Snow support includes ordering materials, coordinating with other agencies, school zone flasher programming, and maintaining adequate internal and external communication.

Challenges and Solutions

The city acknowledges that snow and ice can be harsh on their equipment, often necessitating the replacement of plow blades. In some cases, replacement parts and supplies may be delayed due to more significant regional storms. For example, material shipments were delayed due to road closures during the December 2021 to January 2022 storm event. In response, the city’s resourceful crew replaced a plow blade with a temporary rubber one, showcasing their dedication to keeping the city safe.

Snow removal operations are harsh on vehicles and equipment, necessitating minor and sometimes significant repairs. Although the city stocks an assortment of tools and spare plow, sander, and deicer parts, it is only possible to have one or two of every part, sometimes calling for thinking outside the box. For example, during the 2019/2020 snow season, one of the city’s 10-foot plows had a sizeable central bolt become loose. This bolt holds the plow together. Tightening this bolt required a huge specialty wrench. One crew member came up with the idea of cutting a makeshift wrench out of raw steel. After some quick fabrication, we could tighten the bolt and get the plow back on the road.

Impacts Beyond Roads

Winter storms in Sammamish also affect solid waste collection. After significant storms, the city, through its contractor Republic Services, offers debris curbside collection for additional yard waste. In addition, drop-off locations are established if two consecutive waste collections are missed due to inclement weather.

Pretreatment and Cleanup

Before the arrival of snow, the city undertakes pretreatment efforts. This includes the application of calcium chloride with boost (CCB) or rock salt on roads to reduce bonding between the pavement and snow and ice.

After Storm Response

The work is far from over once the snow has been cleared and the ice has melted. Crews shift back to regular 8-hour schedules, responding to potential flooding and addressing issues like pothole repair. Restocking snow and ice materials is also crucial to the post-storm response.

In Sammamish, the city’s commitment to the safety and well-being of its community members during the winter months is evident through its meticulous planning, hardworking crews, and resourcefulness in the face of challenges. As winter arrives, community members can rest assured that their city is prepared to keep Sammamish safe and accessible during the snowy and icy season.