Snowfall is good for water supply but a traffic nightmare
A seemingly endless stream of moisture from far out in the Pacific continues to produce snow, with intermittent rain, over much of Utah and the West. The latest round of storms produced six to eight inches in valley locations, and has piled the snow more than four feet deep (so far) in the higher elevations of the Wasatch Plateau.
The wet, heavy snow has greatly improved the water outlook around most of the state. According to statistics compiled by the Natural Resources Conservation Service, the Price and San Rafael River Basin is currently 148 percent of average, and 197 percent of the 1981-2010 median.
While the precipitation is welcome news for the 2017 water outlook, it presents many challenges, from shoveling walks and driveways, to driving in hazardous conditions. Price residents have been reminded to avoid pushing snow from driveways onto city streets, and to move vehicles off of the streets so snowplows can more effectively clear the snow.
Price Police Captain Bill Barnes said people may have gotten complacent about parking off street due to a lack of snowfall the past few years. The City Ordinance has been posted on social media as a friendly reminder: “It is unlawful for any person to park or leave unattended any vehicle for a period of twenty four (24) hours after any freshly fallen snow on the streets of the city.” Captain Barnes said vehicles left on the street not only impede the clearing of snow, but can also present a safety hazard. He noted violators are first warned, then ticketed, and as a last resort, the vehicle is towed away.
The Utah Department of Transportation keeps a close eye on the weather and driving conditions statewide from its Meteorologic Center in Salt Lake City. Traffic advisories and road weather alerts are issued on the agency’s website, udot.utah.gov. Snowplows are dispatched as needed on a regional basis.
UDOT Region Four spokesman Kevin Kitchen said snowplows have been overwhelmed at times throughout the state. “It’s always a balance of resources. Our priority is to clear the corridors.” He said snowplow drivers are allowed behind the wheel up to 16 hours a day for snow removal.
Kitchen said travelers generally approve of UDOT’s efforts to keep 4,000 miles of state roadways clear and dry. “We have had a lot of wonderful comments from people who appreciate what we do,” he acknowledged but, “The public doesn’t realize it can be a life and death situation.”
He said the snowplow drivers are the “eyes and ears” of public safety, and often radio for help when encountering emergency situations.
Motorists are advised to keep an emergency kit in their vehicle in case they get stuck or stranded. The kit should be tailored to the weather in your area and should include items that suit your family. Some items it may include are:
First aid kit
Fire extinguisher
Road flares
Jumper cables
Tools
Ice scraper
Flashlight and extra batteries
Blankets or extra clothing
Cat litter for traction
Cell phone charger
Before any road trip, be sure to check all fluids, including oil, antifreeze and transmission fluids, and make sure your vehicle is in good running condition.