Crews working to clear city streets

SANDPOINT — With more than 8 inches of new snow overnight and rain with warm temperatures melting the snowpack, Sandpoint officials said street crews have had to cease using snow gates. 

"Gates are not effective with the amount and weight of the current snowpack," Sandpoint City Administrator Jennifer Stapleton said. "Crews are in an all-city plow. They are currently working on residential streets and will return to priority routes/main arterials later in the day."

When gates aren’t used, it creates a berm in driveways. Stapleton said city officials recognize and understand the challenges and frustrations that creates, especially with the wet heavy snow.

"The city’s highest priority is ensuring that the streets are passable for emergency services," she said. "With the build-up of slush that will freeze overnight when temperatures decrease, plowing the snow floor in driving lanes is critical."

Citizen assistance in this effort is requested as follows:

• Park on the even address side of the street only, unless posted otherwise

• Move vehicles on the street at least once in 24 hours

• Move recreational vehicles, basketball hoops, boats and trailers of the streets

• Keep sidewalks, ADA ramps, mailboxes and fire hydrants clear of snow

• Avoid trash containers in the street – use the driveway as an alternative

• Avoid shoveling or blowing snow onto streets

• Assist neighbors, especially seniors, who may not be able to remove the berm on their driveway so they can get out. 

City crews will continue plowing streets 24-hours-a-day.

All city-maintained pathways and trails will be plowed within the next two days.

Sandpoint's full snow removal plan and priority street routes is available on its website at sandpointidaho.gov. Regular snow removal updates are provided on the city’s website and through the Engage Sandpoint mobile app which can be downloaded in the Playstore for android devices or the Apple Store.

Community resource officers are actively out identifying vehicle obstructions and priority sidewalks that have not been shoveled. Vehicles that have not been moved within 24 hours will be ticketed and ongoing violations will result in towing and impound. Tickets may also be issued for vehicles not parked on the even address side of the street. 

Citizens with questions or concerns about snow removal are invited to contact the city’s snow hotline at 208-920-SNOW.