City calls Stage 1 Snow Condition

Cars must be moved from arterials and STA fixed bus routes

Release Date: 1/7/2013 6:00:00 AM

Spokane Mayor David Condon is announcing that the City of Spokane this morning is calling a Stage 1 Snow Condition as of 6 a.m. The City has plows, sanders, de-icers, and graders out working to improve driving conditions. Snow may change to rain later this morning, and the City will continue to monitor conditions and make changes to snow removal efforts as needed.

A Stage 1 Snow declaration means that City snow removal crews will work 24 hours a day to plow all arterials, STA fixed bus routes, and all streets in the City’s residential hill routes—those numbered 20 and above on the residential plow route map.

Cars must be moved from all arterials and STA fixed bus routes within 6 hours, or by 11 a.m. today, Monday, Jan. 7, and on the even side of the street in the residential hill areas by 6 p.m. tonight.

When driving in these wintry conditions, the City is asking motorists to slow down, be patient, and drive according to the conditions. Don't follow plows closely, and please do not try to pass plow trucks; it is very dangerous.

To check the progress of City plows, go to www.spokanestreetdepartment.org/snowplow.htm. Citizens also can call the City’s recorded Snow Removal Hotline at 456-2666. Citizens can be notified of updated information by following the City on Twitter at @SpokaneCity or by liking the City’s official Facebook page.

Under the City’s snow removal plan, officials can call for a Stage 1 snow condition when there is at least 2 inches of snow on the ground and four or more in the forecast. A Stage 2 condition, which includes a full-City plow of all arterial and residential streets, is triggered when there are six inches of snow on the ground and more anticipated.

Please assist your neighbors who may need help removing snow from their driveways and sidewalks. And don’t blow or shovel snow into the street, but back into your yard. That will prevent more snow and ice from being pushed onto sidewalks and the end of driveways by City plows.

Restricting parking during snow removal efforts allows plow drivers to clear away more snow, widening the area available for vehicles and generally improving driveability. In the residential areas, parking on one side of the street also allows plow drivers to move away from the curb, reducing the amount of snow and ice that ends up on sidewalks and at the end of driveways.

Citizens can check the latest weather forecasts by going to the National Weather Service .