First the flooding – now the Puget Sound region is bracing for the season’s first snowfall. A convergence zone and colder air moving in from the north could result in some lowland snow and icy roadways beginning late tonight.

County crews have completed their pre-season preparations and are ready respond to snow and ice on roadways. Salt, sand and anti-icing agents have been stockpiled at road maintenance yards throughout the county. Plows and sanders have been prepped and crews have been given their road clearing assignments so they are ready to go when the snow does fall.

And this season the consolidation of some road maintenance facilities and service boundary adjustments will allow crews to more efficiently perform snow removal within the unincorporated areas they serve.

Once again, staffing available to perform snow removal during major snow events will be limited due to declining revenues. That means some roads may be plowed and sanded less often depending on the severity of the storm.

Prioritizing snow removal

King County’s snow plan lays out priorities for snow and ice removal. In general, snow response will occur in the following order of priority:

• Heavily traveled roads and routes used by Metro Transit buses
• Major roads such as key arterials and main thoroughfares connecting densely populated areas
• Smaller roadways that carry traffic from local streets to arterial roadways connecting towns and cities
• Secondary commuter routes that are considered important connectors to the county’s larger network of roads

During minor localized snow events, crews will be shifted from non-affected areas to help keep roads clear. But during a significant regional snowstorm, the shifting of county forces may not be possible.

Stockpiles and equipment topped up and ready to go

This season, the Road Services Division will have material and equipment stockpiled at field offices throughout the county. Supplies and equipment include:

• 12,000 cubic yards of sand
• 38,000 gallons of anti-icing material
• 50 pieces of snow removal equipment, including 28 trucks equipped for sanding and plowing

During significant snowstorms, crews will be placed on 12-hour shifts to provide around-the-clock response to roads in unincorporated areas. And six road workers have again been assigned overnight shifts to patrol roads throughout the county and will respond to snow, ice and other road problems.

Given the potential for reduced road clearing, residents should be prepared for travel delays and develop backup plans if heavy snow prevents travel. Those plans might include working a flexible schedule, telecommuting or postponing travel until conditions improve. Residents can also monitor storm-related road closures in unincorporated areas when they sign up for King County Road Alerts.