This weekend marks the first wintery weather of the season, as the forecasts predict lowland snow through midweek. In addition to keeping an eye on Metro’s snow routes, there is now a website called SnowWatch, put together by the City of Seattle, Cliff Mass and the University of Washington. SnowWatch tracks and forecasts snowfall at the neighborhood level, and can help the public track storms, learn where snow is falling, and make informed choices.
Click here for a larger version of this map (.pdf)
If it snows in Wallingford, N. 45th St. and N. 50th St. are “Level 1” arterials that will be cleared to bare and wet from curb to curb. Stone Way is a “Level 2,” which means it will be cleared to bare and wet with one lane in each direction. Wallingford Ave N., N. 40th, and N. Northlake Way are all considered “Level 3,” which means they will treated only on curves, hills and stopping zones.
From the City of Seattle:
Throughout this week Street Maintenance crews have been treating areas prone to roadway frost and ice to improve conditions for drivers, and will continue this operation while nighttime temperatures remain low. SDOT will also continue to carefully monitor weather forecasts.
The department has on hand 2,200 tons of salt and 46,500 gallons of salt brine and has already conducted a full exercise with its plow fleet. Other storm preparations include converting to a more effective salt brine solution (magnesium chloride) for anti-icing and de-icing work, and completing internal agreements to provide SDOT’s snow fleet with additional drivers from other departments if needed.
Clear your walks–help your neighbor pedestrians.