Snow season gets underway with the Dry Snow Run

Columbia Public Works prepares for the challenges of snow and ice throughout the entire year. However, as we approach the winter season, specialized training begins with the annual Dry Snow Run, held this year on Nov. 5.

During the Dry Snow Run exercise, new drivers pair with experienced operators to drive assigned snow routes, spotting any obstacles that could complicate plowing, such as medians, guardrails, bridge gaps, raised utility lids, and construction zones. Crews review safety procedures, test equipment and practice their routes to ensure they're ready when the first snowflakes fall.

The City of Columbia maintains 1,465 lane miles of streets, which includes over 1,100 cul-de-sacs.

During winter storms, Public Works focuses first on priority routes, which are the major streets that connect schools, hospitals, major employers and other critical services. The City plows and treats these streets continuously until they are near normal before crews move into neighborhoods. This approach ensures every home in Columbia is within roughly 1,000 feet of a plowed and treated priority road at all times. With more than 4 inches of snow, the City will methodically plow and treat all roads throughout the City.

Snow preparedness guidelines for City residents

Everyone can play a part in keeping Columbia's streets moving during winter weather. Priority routes are marked with red, white and blue signs reading "No parking when snow is over 2 inches." When these restrictions take effect, parked cars can block plows and delay snow removal. Residents can sign up at Alerts.CoMo.gov to get text notifications when parking rules go into effect.

Columbia crews follow Federal Highway Administration guidelines for "smart salting," applying the right amount of material at the right time. Salt is a valuable safety tool, but when used excessively, it can wash into local waterways and harm fish, plants and wildlife.

Residents can help by shoveling first, then salting sparingly - a light application is all that's needed for effectiveness. More salt won't melt ice faster, but it can cause more damage to streams like Hinkson Creek.

Through planning, training and teamwork, Public Works crews are ready to respond when winter weather arrives. Road crews accomplish this by keeping Columbia's streets safe and its community moving.

Find priority route maps and track snow plow driver progress during major snow events at CoMoSnow.com.