Amador County – Amador County Road crews could be working to clear snow in the next few days, and the county road department announced a reminder of county snowplowing policies and practices.

Jim McHargue of Amador County Transportation and Public Works issued a release Wednesday reminding residents of county snow removal policy and safety precautions, because a “low snow event” is expected this week, with a 90 percent chance of rain and snow Thursday night into Friday morning.

McHargue said the county Snow Removal Policy is posted on the County’s website. He said “this week’s forecast of possible low snow means that plows will be clearing lower elevation roads, such as Ridge Road, first and moving up to higher elevations next.”

He said it “does no good to clear upcountry roads before clearing the lower roads,” and he urged patience, as “with our county’s limited resources it may seem like a very long time before we get to your road.”

County residents should remember that “major thoroughfares will be first priority. Side roads will be next, with dead end or cul-de-sac roads last.” McHargue said the “county does not remove snow from driveways or from in front of mail boxes.” Therefore, “county plows may leave a berm of snow at driveway encroachments onto county roads. The removal of the berm is the responsibility of the owner.”

Sanding normally begins after snow is cleared and where icy conditions may occur. Residents should be prepared, McHargue said, and should “plan ahead by stocking up on daily necessities at first report of snow and reschedule appointments if possible.”

County snow “plows will continue to run until snow has stopped and roads are clear.” They may come down a street several times during a storm. The department warned that people should not let children or pets play in streets or on snow berms, as drivers may not be able to stop in time to avoid an accident.

Parked vehicles should not impede the snow plows, and people should not park vehicles or place garbage cans or trash on roadways or along the edge of roadways. Vehicles blocking snow removal operations may be towed away at owner’s expense. Vehicles should be parked a minimum of five feet off the roadway.

McHargue said do not clear your driveway until after road has been plowed. Also, do not shovel or blow snow from driveways or mail boxes into the roadway as it creates a hazard for other drivers.

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.