Winter road safety reminders from Washoe County

Crews prepare days before a storm to prevent ice buildup and clear commuter routes

As the next winter storm rolls into the region, Washoe County road crews are preparing the roads and reminding residents of safety measures during winter weather. 

“We track impending storms and start gearing up for snow removal well before a storm hits,” Eric Crump, Washoe County Operations Division Director, said. “Our crews are dedicated to keeping Washoe County safe, and keep the roads as clear as possible. We have great information on our website and try to ensure that the community knows where our crews are, what we’re doing, and how to get through winter weather safely.”  

Washoe County services more than 1,000 miles of road with 34 snow-control routes. To prepare for snow, crews treat Priority 1 streets with a saline solution to prevent ice buildup. Brining is a first step in keeping the main thoroughfares open and is usually be done three or four days before a storm arrives.  

During a storm, plows clear streets and roads during daytime hours, starting early to clear the way for morning commuters. Streets are cleared in order of priority, and residents can find those priorities here. Top priority is arterial and collector streets along school and bus routes, as well as routes to fire stations and hospitals. The next tier is neighborhood through-streets, following by Priority 3 cul-de-sacs, dead-end roads, and industrial streets. Finally, pedestrian routes are in the fourth and final tier.  

Plows will also spread a sand and salt mix to add traction to the streets, and will send street sweepers out to clean up sand and salt after a storm. During a break in the storm, residents will see snow-blowers that clear the plowed snow away from the roadside. Built-up snow can narrow roadways, so blowing the snow away from the shoulder helps keep streets wider and safer. 

Residents in the Incline Village/Crystal Bay area can track plows in real-time with the county’s online “Where’s My Plow” function.  

Residents should remember that Washoe County is responsible for non-city streets, and works hand-in-hand with the City of Sparks and City of Reno to ensure the whole area is serviced during winter weather. For more information on Washoe County’s snow-removal efforts, visit https://www.washoecounty.us/csd/operations/roads/snow_and_ice_control.php. 

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