Severe Weather

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Map detailing Priority 1, 2, and 3 routes for city snow and ice removal. Opens in new windowPublic Works Operations prepares for weather events by diligently following weather reports and monitoring weather stations. Our crews start working long before snowflakes fall to keep roads open during inclement weather. 

In a snow or ice event, roads will be cleared or treated by priority identified in the Snow and Ice Removal Map. 

  1. 1st Priority Routes (solid red): Arterial roads and roads connecting emergency service providers.
  2. 2nd Priority Routes (dashed blue): Collector roads, roads connecting neighborhoods to arterials, roads connecting arterials to essential services and schools.
  3. 3rd Priority Routes (dotted green): Main neighborhood access roads.

Applying Anti-Icer

When conditions allow, the City pretreats streets with salt brine which lowers the freezing temperature of water. Salt brine is sprayed onto bare, dry pavement prior to freezing temperatures to prevent ice from forming on a bare road, reduce the amount of snow buildup and accelerate the snow and ice break up after a storm. The road surface must be dry for application.

Plowing Snow

Crews plow to within one-half inch of the pavement itself, to prevent damage to the road and equipment. If the pavement is dry and blowing snow is light and cold, plowing is not always necessary.

During heavy storms, a road may need several passes with a plow to completely clear snow and ice. To strategically deploy our resources and equipment, we prioritize streets for plowing, as demonstrated on the Snow and Ice Removal Map (PDF).

Deicing Streets

When snow or ice threatens to make streets slick and icy, Public Works crews turn to deicing to keep priority routes safe and passable. The City of Ridgefield uses granular sodium chloride (salt) to improve driving conditions. 

The decision to use sodium chloride came about after careful consideration of our winter weather needs and history. Using granular sodium chloride instead of sand or gravel reduces costs and can be more effective in keeping roads open and improving winter driving conditions. 

Here's why:  Unlike sand and gravel, deicing solution doesn’t always need to be reapplied as frequently during a snow or ice event. And importantly, it does not require extensive cleanup after the snow and ice are gone. With sand and gravel, a one-day snow event can result in as much as two weeks spent just cleaning off roadways. Sand and gravel also can clog stormwater drains and have an adverse impact on aquatic life. 

In southwest Washington, we only get a handful of days a year where applying sodium chloride is necessary. Since the volume of the product is low, environmental concerns are considered minimal. Motorists concerned about salt or chemicals on their vehicles may want to wash the vehicles to remove any material.

Traction

While not used as much as years past, sand is still occasionally used in road treatment to provide traction. Sand can blow off roadways fairly quickly, however, and can cause cleanup and water quality concerns if it enters nearby waterways. When sanding rock is used, it is City practice to sweep streets following the event.

What You Can Do to Prepare

  • Get a snow shovel and broom. Clearing sidewalks is the responsibility of the adjacent home or business owner.
  • Bookmark this page to check for snow and ice removal information and find updates on road conditions and closures during a Severe Weather event. Updates will also be posted to our Facebook Page.
  • Sign up to receive Text Messages about urgent issues, such as emergency road closures, by texting "Ridgefield" to (360) 262-1528.