Foothills County Public Works Department is responsible for the removal of snow on all County roads.
Equipment available for these jobs includes:
- 10 road graders equipped with snow-wings and V-plows
- 7 high-way plow sander units
- 2 smaller subdivision plow sander units
- 3 tracked machines
The graders are used on gravel surfaces, the trucks are used on asphalt / oiled surfaces and the tracked machines are available for isolated drifting.
Priorities
Foothills County is responsible for approximately 1400 kilometers of graveled local roads and 850 kilometers of asphalt / oiled surfaced roads. To adequately maintain this significant road network a priority system has been developed for both major and minor snowfalls that quickly provides service to the greatest number of motorists.
Snowplowing a Major Roadway
a) Major Snowfall
During a major snowfall event the following order of priority for snow removal is used:
- Arterial Roads
- Collector Roads
- Local and Subdivision Roads
- Community Halls, Church Parking Lots
During an intense or heavy snowstorm, where there is an urgency to clear the main roads quickly, the snowplow operator may leave a "ridge" in front of some approach roads. Though avoided if at all possible this is occasionally a part of winter life.
The ridges could be minimized if residents would ensure any snow piled on their approaches as a result of their own driveway clearing operations is placed on the right hand side of the approach as they are exiting their property.
In most circumstances the entire road system can be completed in three days; however the type, depth and intensity of a snowstorm can alter this goal. Snow ridges greater than 50mm or 10 inches will be removed after the road system is completed.
b) Minor Snowfall
If snowfall amounts do not seriously hinder motorists another strategy has been adopted for snow removal.
- Critical Areas or Roads requiring special attention (Drifting, Schools)
- Regular Route as assigned
- Community Halls, Church Parking Lots
It is important to note that with each minor snowfall occurrence the grader operator attempts to vary the commencement point of the route to equalize service to all ratepayers on the route.
c) Private Driveways
Foothills County is not involved with snow plowing of private driveways. There are numerous private contractors who can be contacted regarding private driveway maintenance.
Remember: Winter conditions require safe winter driving practices please drive carefully and in accordance with road conditions.
View our Snow Removal Policy
