Winter Driving & Snow Removal
Thursday, January 17, 2008 – 9:15 am
Getting around Spokane this time of year can be challenging. The City of Spokane’s Street Department Snow Removal page lists snow plow routes and rules. They also have a link to the State’s winter driving tips page. The State also has information on de-icer and how it works. - Spokane Government Librarian
2 Responses to “Winter Driving & Snow Removal”
I noticed that sometimes when it is too cold that sometimes they don,t put de icer down what exactly is the lowest temperature that they can lay this down?
By chewey on Jan 24, 2008
The State’s Ice & Snow Plan has charts of de-icer recommendations - http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/winter/SnowIcePlan.htm. Chapter 6 says they do not recommend using chemical de-icer when it is below 15 degrees. They base their recommendation on the following quote from the Federal Highway Administration, “When the pavement is cold (below -9.5oC (15oF)) and new or blowing snow are light and cold, traffic and wind (speeds of 25 km/h (15 mph) or higher) may be sufficient to prevent accumulation and compaction in tire tracks. In this case, application of any chemical, even that added as freeze-proofing to an abrasive, may create rather than cure a problem. Once a wet surface develops where before it was cold and dry, the dry snow can adhere and begin to build up. Prompt removal with a plow may prevent pack from developing, but this situation may have been avoided by refraining from chemical application.” - http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/reports/mopeap/mop0296a.htm#eap4133 - Spokane Government Librarian
By Spokane Government Librarian on Jan 24, 2008