Tiered Snow and Ice Response Winter Weather Preparedness Plan

Overview

The City of St. Louis is getting ready for winter weather to keep streets safe and passable during snow and ice events. The Street Department has updated its snow plan, added new equipment, and increased support for crews who work through winter storms.

How the City Prepares (Tiered Snow and Ice Response)

Pretreatment

• About 12 hours before a storm, snow routes will be pretreated with a salt solution—unless:
  • Rain of more than 0.05” is expected, or
  • Temperatures drop below 20°F (which could freeze the solution)

Snow Routes Clearance

1. Main Routes First: Arterial, secondary, and hill routes are cleared first to keep traffic moving.
2. School Entrances and Intersections: Crews then clear snow from main school entrances and intersections where side streets meet main roads.
3. Intersection Clearance: Next, crews then clear accumulated snow (windrows) at intersections where side streets meet the main snow routes.
4. Side Streets: After intersections are clear, the Street Department director will determine what additional support shall be provided to the remaining side streets. 
   • If significant ice develops, all available vehicles and staff from other departments will be utilized to break up the ice.

Normal vs. Severe Storms

• Normal Snowfall (under 1 inch per hour): Crews work in continuous loops clearing arterial and secondary routes.
• Severe Snowfall (over 1 inch per hour): Arterial routes are the top priority until conditions improve.

Contingency Contract

A contingency contract will be in place for activation if required to address a snow event beyond the City’s capabilities.

Salt Bank Pilot Program

This winter, the City will launch a Salt Bank pilot program. Neighborhood and community groups can pick up salt from the Street Department to help treat side streets and sidewalks. Details will be shared before major storms.

Communication and Updates

When winter weather is forecasted, updates will be shared:

• On the City’s website (look for the Winter Weather Updates link)
• Through City social media channels
• On local news outlets

These updates will include plowing progress, salt bank information, safety reminders, and any temporary road closures.

How Residents Can Help

• Report issues: Use the Citizens' Service Bureau for non-emergency service requests.
• Move parked cars: When possible, keep cars off major routes to help plows clear snow.
• Stay informed: Follow City updates before, during, and after storms.

Street Type Descriptions

• Primary Snow Routes
  These streets are plowed first because they link the city's police, fire and emergency services.  Primary snow routes are major thoroughfares used by thousands of motorists and cyclists every day.
• Secondary Snow Routes
  These streets are highly traveled by motorists and cyclists, but not as much as primary routes.  Generally speaking, these streets feed into the Primary snow routes.
• Hill Routes
  These streets have a grade of 8 degrees (14% slope) or greater and a configuration which makes them extremely difficult to navigate.
• Residential/Side Streets
  These streets are generally narrower than primary/secondary routes and carry significantly less vehicular and bicycle traffic.

Find more details on the snow routes map.

Related Links