SPOKANE, Wash. – Spokane Public Works officials have outlined the city’s snow response operations for the upcoming winter season. The Streets Department will begin its operations on Nov. 15 and continue through March 15.
The department is fully staffed and ready to implement the snow response plan. This plan provides flexibility for changing conditions, with satellite materials stations located in the four corners of the city to maintain 2,100 lane miles.
“Maintenance during the winter months requires a partnership between City operations and the community,” Clint Harris, the City’s Street Director, said. “We appreciate the work residents, businesses, and our partners do to be prepared and keep areas clear during the winter.”
The city says they monitor weather conditions 24/7, prioritizing arterials, hills, hospitals and school routes. During heavier snowfalls, they say a full-city plow will take about three days to complete.
Residents are urged to prepare by moving recreational vehicles, boats, trailers, and basketball hoops off the street. This is crucial as these items can obstruct plows on narrow residential roads.
“If you can, park off-street as often as possible. Also there’s time to move your RVs, trailers, boats and into a winter storage location,” Harris said.
Parking on the odd-numbered side of the street is recommended to allow maximum room for plows and emergency services. It is also important to maintain a three-foot clearance around fire hydrants.
“For us, time means everything, seconds count. So if we’ve got to dig out a hydrant that puts us a couple minutes behind,” said Justin de Ruyter, a spokesman for the Spokane Fire Department.
Residents are also encouraged to clear sidewalks and pathways, whether in front of homes or businesses, and to assist neighbors who may need help with shoveling.
“Work with your neighbors by getting to know each other and offer to help those who may not be able to shovel their walks and driveways, either temporarily or for the whole season,” said another city official.
Spokane Public Schools aims to minimize snow days, noting that schools provide a safe space for at-risk students. Parents will be notified by 6:00 a.m. if school is happening during winter weather.
For more information, residents can refer to the Snow Response Plan in the November utility bill, visit the Street Department snow removal website, or follow @spokanecity on social media platforms.
