The Streets Division is responsible for snow plowing and ice control within the city.

Emergency Snow Routes(Priority One)
Major arterial and collector streets, called Emergency Snow Routes (see map):  these streets receive top priority for snow or ice control and are identified in red. These streets are considered to be the minimum network which must be kept open in order to provide a transportation system connecting the hospital, fire stations, sheriff's office, schools, government facilities and major commercial areas with the citizens of the community.

Secondary Snow Routes (Priority Two)
All other arterial and selected collectors which complete the major traffic volume street network are in green (see map). Secondary Snow Routes will receive attention only after the Priority One Emergency Routes have been cleared.

Non-Essential Snow Routes (Priority Three)
Any remaining collectors and local streets, including residential will only
receive attention during regular work hours after Priority One and Two Routes have been
addressed.

As much as possible, all Priority One and Two streets will be kept open and maintained at all times which usually requires 24 hour shifts.

Snow and Ice Control Program Highlights
In severe storm conditions with projections of continuing snow accumulations, a SNOW
EMERGENCY may be declared by the City Manager. Announcements will be through radio,
television and newspaper sources. During a declared SNOW EMERGENCY, parking of vehicles
along Emergency Snow Routes is prohibited. The Emergency Snow Routes are the Priority One
Routes and in most cases are identified with a snow route signs on the streets. Chain and/or snow
tire requirements may also be declared during a SNOW EMERGENCY.

No Parking Allowed on Emergency Snow Routes
When a SNOW EMERGENCY is declared, vehicles parked along Emergency Snow Routes will
be tagged with a notice requiring them to be moved within one hour. Every effort will be made
to notify the owner of the vehicle. If the vehicle is not removed from the Emergency Snow Route
within an hour of being tagged, the vehicle may be towed and the owner will be responsible for
the costs of towing and impoundment.

Snow plowing, however, is not always necessary. Crews may be dispatched to sand streets in icy
conditions, at approaches to traffic control devices, along hills and curve sections, along
Emergency Snow Routes and at major approaches to snow routes.

When plowing becomes necessary, the snow is generally plowed to the street edges and can cover
driveways and sidewalks. This is a situation which cannot be avoided. Plowing the street to the
center into a windrow causes other problems such as melting snow running across travel lanes
increasing the need for sanding, center windrow's prohibit left turn access into driveway's and
alleys and results in dangerous U-turns at intersections, and can cause delays in emergency
response. In addition, center windrows generally require removal by loaders and dump trucks
which add significant expense to the snow program.

Clearing of driveway approaches and sidewalks is, by code, the responsibility of the property
owner. We understand how upsetting it can be to residents who have shoveled their walks and
driveways only to have the City come along and cover them up. However, our first priority is to
keep the streets clear and open for everyone's safety. With over 16,000 individual properties in
the City, we are unfortunately unable to deal with each and every situation.

Here are some tips on shoveling your driveway: We suggest shoveling after the plows have been
through the area at least once; we realize this is not always practical. Shovel the snow to the left
side facing your home or (driver side) of the driveway. You've seen the plows go by, if you make
a big pile at the corner of your driveway or out in the street, the plow naturally hits the pile and
pushes it back where it came from. If you have a contractor or someone clearing your driveway
or property remember, code restricts persons from depositing snow in the public right-of-way.
Our mission is to maintain emergency access, so, please, if they are working for you direct them
to do it right.

Carson City does not maintain a number of routes in the City which are under the jurisdiction of
the Nevada Department of Transportation as indicated on the map. Problems along those routes
can be addressed by calling N.D.O.T. at 888-7969.

During these winter days, remember to use good judgment when driving (slow down), watch
the weather report, stock up on things you need when big storms are predicted, and last and most
important, when you can, help your neighbors who may be too elderly or ill to shovel snow.

Carson City is a wonderful place to live and raise a family, so show that Carson City community
spirit and "pitch" in.