Snow plowing tips and laws

The City of Columbia Falls has provided the following tips and facts to help city residents with the snow removal process:

• Snow plows typically start plowing after 4 inches of snow has accumulated. Street crews begin operations as needed 24 hours per day. The crews start plowing early enough to clear major routes before morning traffic begins. All city streets are cleared as soon as possible.

• Residents are not permitted to shovel snow from their driveway or parking areas onto city streets. It must be placed off the roadway. Piling the majority of the shoveled snow to the left of a driveway, facing the house, will help when the snowplows come by, and less snow will be plowed in front of your driveway.

• The city does not typically plow out driveways or dig out mailboxes. Anyone with a hardship can contact the city at 892-4391. The city cannot plow private driveways or parking lots.

• Regarding icy streets, city crews apply sand or chemicals as needed on major intersections and high traffic areas. Magnesium chloride is applied to roadway surfaces before freezing occurs to prevent the streets from becoming icy. A sand mixture is applied, if necessary, to icy streets. Unfortunately, the city cannot completely eliminate icy conditions, so residents are advised to drive cautiously.

• Removing a car from the street makes plowing more efficient and prevents a car from being plowed in. Some subdivisions are posted as no parking for snow removal, and residents are asked to observe all such signs.

• Portable basketball hoops should not be placed in the street at any time, as they can present a hazard.

• The task of clearing snow and ice from sidewalks adjacent to private property is the responsibility of the property owner or the resident. While city code allows sidewalk snow accumulation to be removed by noon after accumulating overnight, residents are asked to be mindful of children and adults walking to school, work and the business district.

• Shoveled snow and ice cannot be piled so it obstructs fire hydrants or storm drains.