Contact:
Julie Kuntz Fay Lim
Communications Specialist II Communications Supervisor
Julie.Kuntz@snoco.org Fay.Lim@snoco.org
425-388-6059 425-388-6413
Snohomish County is Prepared for Upcoming Snow Event
Online Resources and Phone Numbers for Winter Storm Emergencies
EVERETT, Wash., Friday, Dec. 16, 2022 – With the upcoming snow forecast, Snohomish County is prepared and monitoring the weather. Plans are in place with crews and plows scheduled to work on clearing designated priority snow and ice removal routes. Road Maintenance teams are equipped and stocked with sand, salt and other supplies.
“Despite the snow event earlier this season, we have enough salt, sand, and mixed products available for at least seven continuous (24/7) days of snow and ice fighting,” Public Works Director Kelly Snyder said. “Steps have been taken to ensure we are able to secure additional abrasives should the need arise. The county’s fleet division is ready to repair our vehicles and replace our plow blades. Public safety is our number one priority.”
The Road Maintenance Division is prepared with resources including:
- 38 plow/sander trucks
- Three anti-icer trucks
- 5,800 tons of sand/salt mix
- 10,000 tons of sand
- 944 tons of salt
- 22,500 gallons of anti-icing liquid (Calcium Chloride)
- 730 tons of ice kicker (blue salt)
Before heading out, it is highly recommended that commuters check their travel routes and options. For those venturing through unincorporated Snohomish County, visit the Public Works Snow and Ice webpage to view the priority routes for snowplowing, sanding and road closure information. The prioritization of snow and ice routes are based on traffic volume, transit and school bus routes, hospitals and clinics, terrain, and knowledge of problem areas. The prioritization does not change based on public calls – even multiple calls – requesting service.
During snow/ice weather events, it’s also important to:
- Know who to call and when:
- Give snowplows and deicers plenty of room to work. Allow for a minimum following distance of 200 feet from the plows and deicers while they are working.
- If you must pass, take extreme caution and beware of the displaced snow and ice, or sand spray.
- Vehicles parked along all major arterials and emergency routes must be moved off the street. It is recommended for them to be moved when snow is in the forecast.
- Keep drainage inlets near your home clear of leaves and debris during the winter months to help reduce the chance of flooding.
- Try to keep garbage bins and other obstacles out of the street when the roads are icy or covered with snow.
- Obey road closed signs.
Follow Snohomish County departments on social media for the most up-to-date information during an emergency event:
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 about 200 traffic control signals. The department also processes nearly 600,000 tons of garbage per year. Its mission is to focus on safety and mobility while practicing fiscal responsibility and Snohomish County Public Works preserving the environment. Public Works has won numerous state and national honors for its work and is the 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 and Twitter for more information about Snohomish County Public Works.