Snow events in Gladstone vary in severity from a dusting to inches. The variety of conditions that can occur during the snow-and-ice season in the City makes advance preparation more difficult. In addition, snow events in Gladstone will vary in severity depending upon the location where you live. Combinations of these factors and the rate and accumulation of snowfall, moisture content, presence of sleet, freezing rain or hail, temperature during and after the storm, wind velocity, time of day or night, day or days of the week, storm duration, and intervals between storms interact to make each storm unique.
Gladstone Public Works primary purpose is to provide effective use of equipment and personnel, minimize impact to the environment, help contain costs, and organize safe travel routes for emergency responders and the motoring public during winter storm events. It is the responsibility of each property owner to clear his or her driveway and all sidewalk areas adjacent to their property.
De-Icing
The City of Gladstone started utilizing magnesium chloride (MgC12) in 2019. Sourced from ODOT, it is an effective way to provide a safer road surface during winter driving conditions. Use of deicing agents help reduce the use of sand, which reduces impact on air quality, water quality and aquatic habitat. Crews will work to lay de-icer down when conditions are optimal. Weather and roadway conditions for the use of de-icing material is important to its effectiveness; it cannot be put down on a wet surface and or below temperatures of 20°.
Operations management will prioritize major arterials and other collector streets to be cleared first as to maintain efficient vehicular traffic through the city.
Plowing is scheduled to begin with an accumulation of approximately 2 or more inches of snow.
Limited sanding is done during a snowfall because falling snow covers the sand and it is scraped away on subsequent plowing passes, requiring additional sanding.
Subdivision roads may not be plowed; routes will be cleared based on the sanding/plowing map.
How Can You Help?
Be patient, be assured that during a snowstorm every reasonable effort will be made to keep roadways open. During a major snowstorm, all our operators and snow removal equipment will be on the road.
Familiarize yourself with alternative routes in and out of your neighborhood; utilizing streets that do not have a substantial grade if possible.
Do not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path. Plows must maintain speed for maximum efficiency.
When approaching snow removal equipment from the rear, travel a minimum of 200 feet behind allowing for sanding and abrupt movements. DO NOT Pass unless necessary.
Do not park along snow routes. In residential areas, leave room for plows to get through safely-if possible, park off the street.
Do not put garbage or recycling containers in the street.
Supporting Documents
Plowing/Sanding Map (2 MB)
Original source can be found here.
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