The City of Storm Lake recently hosted a pair of public “Snow Meetings” to share information on the upcoming snow removal season. We didn’t want you to feel left out, so here’s your Q&A guide to the season that most of us wish wasn’t coming.
IS IT REALLY GONNA SNOW? – Bet the farm on it. Average annual snowfall for Storm Lake is 39.75 inches (that’s about the length of a golf club, or five basketballs stacked up.) The City anticipates 25 snow or ice events requiring removal per year. A three-inch snow is enough to trigger a full removal operation, but less snow than that may bring out the equipment when drifting or ice are involved. An inch to an inch-and-a-half of snow will bring out the plows on emergency routes.
HOW DO YOU BUDGET FOR SNOW? Hey, Nostradamus we’re not. The City bases its preparation on winter data and averages. In a nutshell, “plan for the worst, and hope for the best.” If winter is particularly severe, we may have to dip into contingency funds. Luckily, that hasn’t been necessary for the last few years. For winter 2023/24, 1,146 hours of plowing, hauling and sanding were needed. The year before it was a little busier, 1,931 hours.
WHY ARE SNOW EMERGENCIES DECLARED? – When it appears that a snow or ice storm is imminent, the City declares a snow emergency that will restrict parking in the central business district, residential streets, and some downtown parking lots.
During a snow emergency the following regulations are in effect:
- Parking is not allowed on streets in residential areas of Storm Lake between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.
- Parking is not allowed on streets in the Central Business District between the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m.
- Parking is not allowed in downtown public parking lots designated as Lot B and Lot D (lots A and C are available for overnight parking for downtown residents.)
We do our best to give plenty of notice when a snow emergency is declared, so people can be aware of parking restrictions for the coming night. Snow emergencies are publicized on social media and the city website; through local news outlets; posters placed in key locations like HyVee, Bomgaars, Walmart, Tyson and City Hall; and text alerts for residents who are signed up.
WHO DECIDES WHEN A SNOW EMERGENCY IS NEEDED? – City Administration makes that call, coordinating with our Public Safety and Street Department leaders. Decisions are based on forecast information we receive directly from the Sioux Falls office of the National Weather Service, which covers our area. If predicted snow or ice does not materialize, the Snow Emergency is lifted early.
BUT WHY CAN’T WE PARK IN THE STREET? – Vehicles need to be moved so plows can fully clear the way. Having to maneuver around vehicles creates safety issues, and could result in accidental damage to equipment or vehicles. There’s a LOT of town to cover overnight, and snow removal equipment has to move efficiently on their respective routes. Trust us, we hate to tow vehicles, and doing so ties up our crew and police officers in bad weather in the middle of the night when they need to be attending to other duties. We hope that snow emergencies a few times each winter is more convenient for our residents than the alternative, a winterlong parking ban as many other communities employ.
A LOT OF TOWN, YOU SAY? WHAT’S “A LOT?” – Imagine being tasked to clear over 100 miles of City streets in the hours that other Storm Lakers are snoozing comfortably in their beds. Plus, there are five miles of alleys, 11 parking lots, 4.5 miles of recreation paths, 11 parking lots, public building sidewalks, and airport runways and taxiways to keep clear! A crew of 13 does all this in eight hours or less.
WHERE DO YOU START? – The City has three emergency snow routes, configured so that all properties in the City are within two blocks or less of an emergency route. These get constant care, even during a storm, any time of day. This ensures that school buses can depart safely, and the public can reach key services such as the hospital. Other streets in residential areas are cleared at night after a snowfall, beginning around 2 a.m., when it can be done with minimal traffic disruption.
WHAT DOES ALL THIS COST? – Every winter and every snow event is different. The amount of snow, whether ice is involved, temperature, wind speed and direction, and timing of the storm all impact street clearing strategy and expense. A rough average would be $15,000 per inch of snow. When snow piles up, so do City expenses.
WHY DOES SNOW SOMETIMES GET PILED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE STREET DOWNTOWN? – The City does its best to accommodate both businesses that are open at night, and those that open early in the morning. That gives us a small window of time to get in and out of the central business district quickly. In a significant event, snow may be moved to the center of the street or the outside of the street to open the way for morning traffic, with the City crew returning for a second night to load and haul the snow out. In the past, we’ve had blizzards that require so much snow hauling that the process can extend over several days.
WHAT ABOUT THE DOWNTOWN SIDEWALKS - Downtown commercial area sidewalks are the responsibility of the owner or operator. Moving snow past the curb early in the morning allows the city crew finish its clean up operations. The City works with the local contractors who do much of the sidewalk snow moving to make sure things get cleared in a timely manner.
YOU LOVE PLOWING MY DRIVEWAY CLOSED, DON’T YOU? – It only seems that way. When snow is in the street, it’s going to end up on the sides, that’s winter reality. Normally residential streets are fully cleared in one pass, so you don’t have to keep re-shoveling. On emergency routes, multiple passes may be necessary. We feel your pain - we have driveways too.
YOU LOVE RUSTING MY CAR WITH ROAD SALT, DON’T YOU? – Again, only seems that way. Streets are treated only when needed to control ice. Currently a mix of 80% sand and 20% salt is used – we’ve been able to cut down the salt considerably in recent years. And did you know that Public Services treats the salt it uses with beet juice? That makes it more effective and cuts down on the corrosive properties of the salt. As a side effect, the City salt shed tends to smell a bit like teriyaki sauce. No, really.
HOW CAN I BE A GOOD NEIGHBOR? – 1. Don’t clear your walks or driveway by pushing or blowing your snow onto your neighbors’ property. 2. Don’t push or blow snow into the street where it can become a hazard to others. 3. Clean those walks promptly to help keep pedestrians safe. City Code requires residential walks to be cleared within 72 hours of a snow or ice event. Those who don’t bother to clear walks are subject to a municipal infraction penalty. And if you really want brownie points, be a great neighbor – check on elderly or mobility-challenged neighbors, and lend a hand where needed.
IT'S FUN TO DO ‘DOUGHNUTS’ ON AN ICY STREET, RIGHT? – Seriously, in a Snow Emergency the safest thing you can do is stay home until the streets are clear. Drivers, slow down in winter weather, begin braking earlier and gradually when approaching an intersection. And please take caution when plows are on the road. Make sure your windshield is well cleared before setting out. This all should all be a “needless to say” situation, but every year we see accidents when the first winter events occur. Let’s make this the winter we’re all ready and aware.
We can’t stop winter from coming, but it’s our pleasure to serve you as efficiently as possible through the season. And on the bright side… just 140 days until spring.
Need more info? The City’s full snow removal procedures manual is available online at https://www.stormlake.org/DocumentCenter/View/1969/Policy-and-Procedure-Manual-Snow-and-Ice-Removal-