A major winter storm brought wet, heavy snow and windy conditions to much of the Western United States Monday and Tuesday, with another round on Wednesday. Some higher elevation mountains in Utah received several feet of snow accumulation, with three to six inches reported in many valley locations across the state, including Castle Country.
The snowfall started accumulating locally Monday afternoon, creating hazardous driving conditions that got progressively worse into the evening. Numerous vehicle slide-offs kept emergency responders busy, moving from one incident to another, while chains were required for many canyon routes, including SR-6 through Price and Spanish Fork Canyons, and U.S. 191 in Indian Canyon. Tractor-trailer rigs were lined up along the side of the road at Martin where drivers were chaining up before traveling over Soldier Summit or Indian Canyon Summit.
Price City Streets and Fleets Supervisor Scott Olsen said crews were called out Monday evening to begin clearing snow from city streets and parking lots. The city’s snow removal fleet includes five snowplows, one salter, and a grader. Two front-end loaders, and a bobcat on tracks are used for clearing parking lots and driveways.
Olsen said according to the city’s “Snow Plan,” the main routes through town are cleared first, including access for emergency services, and then the neighborhoods. He said, “The absolute hardest part of our job is working around vehicles parked on the streets.” A city ordinance requires residents to park vehicles off the streets to allow the removal of snow by the street department. Olsen also advised residents to wait until the streets are cleared before pushing snow from driveways. Snow piled on the street could present a traffic hazard. He encourages residents, “To have patience with us. We will get the streets cleared.”
Carbon County Road Department has nine snowplows to clear some 320 miles, or 640 travel lane miles of county roads, and the airport- which by itself takes several hours. Supervisor Daniel Campbell said school bus routes typically have first priority, along with other main roads such as Fairgrounds Road, Westwood, Spring Glen, Miller Creek Road and the Coal Creek Loop, among others. Crews also spread 250 to 300 pounds of a salt/sand mixture per mile on county roads. He said, “The county uses the red ice-blaster salt which is mined in Sevier County, and is much more effective in melting snow and ice at lower temperatures.”
Airport Assistant Manager Jennifer Jensen said the main runway at Buck Field is 8,300 feet by 100 feet wide, “…and it’s very, very finicky. The FAA demands that they plow snow in certain directions in some areas, and in other directions in other areas to avoid sensitive equipment, so Daniel really has to train his crews to be super, super careful.” That equipment includes radio frequency emitters which enable safe instrument landings. She says, “They are very efficient at it. They do a wonderful job.”
UDOT has 186 plows
The Utah Department of Transportation has 186 snowplows in Region 4, with about 190 full time employees assigned to snow removal. UDOT spokesman Kevin Kitchen said drivers are on call 24/7 and rotation is dependent on storm timing and coverage needs. He said Tuesday, “Your readers may be interested in our new live snow plow map. It was made public this morning. They can get to it on our home web page www.udot.utah.gov, or on the UDOT traffic app.” The map provides near real time information on where snowplows are operating throughout the state. The website is also where emergency alerts regarding incidents, accidents and road restrictions or closures can be found. The information is also available by calling 511.
UDOT’s advice to those who must travel during inclement weather: Take your time. Allow extra distance between vehicles during wet or snowy conditions. Keep windows and lights free of snow and ice. Check your tires for proper pressure and sufficient tread. And keep an emergency kit in the car for winter conditions.
While the storms made travel difficult, it will help alleviate the drought. It will also appeal to skiers and over-snow vehicle enthusiasts, and anyone who is dreaming of a White Christmas.