Another Upstate Winter
Published: 1/28/2004
This year has turned out to be another upstate winter as many of us recall them to be, cold and snowy. At one point this month, I believe we had 19 straight days of snowfall. While we are not seeing the total snowfall we did last year, the temperatures have been extremely cold with 18 days where temperatures were recorded at less than 15 degrees.
These types of conditions are difficult for our crews in the Department of Public Works. With the weather conditions we have experienced this month, the men and women on our snow removal teams were called out 21 straight days for plowing or salting runs.
The biggest problem they face is the low temperatures. Most people assume that our biggest difficulty with snow comes with major accumulation. In fact, we can handle major snowfalls quite efficiently as long as there are not strong winds and we have temperatures at 20º F or above.
Salt is only effective to approximately 10º F. When temperatures drop below that point, we mix a sand additive with the salt to provide grit on the roads with the intent of improving traction. Often the crews are required to make numerous runs to apply the salt sand mix even though we might have low snowfalls. This year we have already used over 3,500 tons of salt and over 500 tons of sand.
During periods of low temperatures you will note that many of your neighborhood streets have a covering of snow on them. This is because we can plow off most of the snow but the balance will not begin to melt until the temperatures rise to a point where the salt can be effective.
You may have also noticed situations on main roads where the wheel tracks are clear of snow but everything else is still covered with snow. This is because the volume and speed of traffic generates enough heat from the action of tires that the salt can work in those areas.
In low temperature conditions we ask that you drive with extra care and caution. The snow-covered roads will tend to be packed snow that will be slick. You will not be able to brake fast or make any quick moves without losing control of your vehicle.
You also need to try and read the varying conditions you may face. You might be driving on a clear road but may see an area ahead of you that looks like a snow covered section of road. That area may cause your car to spin out, or if located near an intersection will prevent you from being able to brake safely.
"Black ice," one of the most treacherous road conditions, forms when low temperatures rise enough for salt to begin working. Snow turns to liquid and begins to drain off the road surface. If temperatures are still cold and the road pavement is frigid, the melted snow will turn to black ice. This is especially true on bridges where both the top and bottom surfaces are exposed to the elements. This leaves a dangerous condition that will frequently cause cars to spin out of control.
We realize that there are many reasons you need to be on the roads in bad conditions. Just remember to leave earlier than you typically would and drive in a manner that is slow and steady. Be especially careful at curves and intersections. Reduce your speed and whenever possible, avoid a situation that causes you to jamb on the brakes.
Our crews take great pride in the work they do in snow and ice operations. I have heard time and time again from people that they know when they get to Pittsford because of the good condition of our roads. Our staff is committed to providing you with the safest roads possible and I believe the results are obvious.
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