The Jan. 7-8 snows have melted away, but Clallam County and Clallam Transit System are getting ready for the next wave on the county’s roads.
Clallam County will attack snow when 2 inches have fallen, according to a policy set for public hearing next month by county commissioners.
Road crews will give top priority to trouble spots, school bus routes, arterial and collector roads, and heavily traveled routes in unincorporated areas, the policy says.
Road supervisors will monitor weather conditions broadcast by Weathernet and on-the-scene reports from the county sheriff’s dispatcher, county employees and other agencies that fight snow and ice.
The policy replaces a 22-year-old resolution on snow and ice removal in the Clallam County Administrative Manual.
The hearing will start at 10:30 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1, in the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St., Port Angeles.
Key to any winter weather plan is flexibility, the policy says, “due to the infinitely variable nature of weather events” at various elevations and conditions.
Generally, however, the policy says plow blades will be mounted on trucks if snow is forecast for the following day.
Likewise, trucks will be loaded with sand if ice is expected. Divers will be notified by 5 p.m. the day before plowing or sanding will be needed.
Crews will arrive at 6 a.m., earlier for deep snow, later if school will not be in session. Work usually will stop at 7 p.m., earlier if crews are fatigued or shorthanded.
“When crews are fatigued,” the policy says, “they will be given breaks or be sent home early.
“The county does not want to endanger the employees or the public by putting fatigued drivers on the road.”