Saint Joseph Streets have been forced to change plowing tactics because it’s too cold for salt to melt snow and ice.  Plows will focus on removing wind-blown drifts from emergency routes rather than attempting to clear snow from secondary streets.

Here’s how city spokeswoman Mary Robertson described the problem:

The city received approximately 2 – 2 1/2″ of snow yesterday afternoon and evening.  Phase II was put into effect at 10:30pm, and since that time crews have been busy plowing Emergency Routes. These are presently being finished up. However, due to the extremely cold temperatures forecasted and high winds, the city has decided to apply heavy salt to all other remaining streets and refrain from plowing at this time in order to continue to focus on Emergency Routes and drifting issues within the next 24 – 48 hours.

Normally, as plows pass over the pavement, a layer of compacted snow is left behind, which, if left untreated, can result in a ‘glazing’ effect.  This usually is not an issue, as salt is also applied during the plowing process, and the salt melts this layer resulting in a cleared street.  However, due to the extremely low temperatures St. Joseph is forecast to experience, this melting will not occur, and could result in potentially slick streets if general plowing is continued.

Street supervisors believe that leaving some snow on the streets will provide more traction to vehicles than the compacted glazed snow layer left behind as a result of plowing.  Once temperatures begin to rise, the salt that will be applied throughout today and tomorrow will begin to take effect and start to melt the snow from the streets. This is not an issue on the Emergency Routes, as they have been cleared and had salt applied in time avoid these low temperatures and high winds.

City crews will be on hand all night addressing known drift areas and responding to slick calls. During this extremely cold period, crews will be applying a mixture of salt (with Geomelt added) and chat, mainly for traction. A supervisor will be on duty to check all slick calls for prioritization and as support for the crews in the field.

We thank the community for continued patience and support of plowing efforts. Please drive carefully if out, and stay inside if at all possible during this extremely cold weather.