Town of Star Valley Ranch, WY

Snow Policy

Snow Removal Policy/Plan

Introduction:

The intention of this Policy is to set reasonable goals and general practices as a guide for the conduct of snow and ice control operations in the Town of Star Valley Ranch.  This Policy recognizes that many variables are encountered during this sort of operation and therefore precise methods of response must be a combination of policy, experience, and on-site judgment.  Those in charge of operations have the authority to make and accept the responsibility for priority decisions based on available manpower, equipment and existing or predicted weather conditions.

Purpose:
The purpose of the Town of Star Valley Ranch’s Snow Removal Policy is to define levels of service for snow management and to help define and educate the residents of the strategies related to snow removal within the Town. The Public Works Department attempts to move the snow and ice from the roadways and Town owned properties as safely and efficiently as possible. Keeping the roads safe requires a good plan for the removal and storage of snow.

Snow Removal:
Town streets are assigned priority levels for snow removal routes. Priority is assigned based on which roads are traveled first and by the most motorists. Following the prescribed routes is crucial to the safety and efficiency of snow removal and storage on the Town streets. Using the previously mentioned factors the Town of Star Valley Ranch snow removal happens in the following priority routes:

Priority 1 - Main Routes
Priority 2 - School Bus Routes and Side Roads
Priority 3 - Cul-de-Sacs 
Priority 4 - Parking Lots

Snow removal will not begin until the ground is frozen and there is a snow cap on the road in order to prevent damage to equipment and road surfaces. Crews will begin snow removal under the direction of the Public Works Director based on observed road conditions.

     
Road Sanding
Road sanding is done to provide added safety during winter months. Sanding is completed after streets have been plowed. Like snow removal, sanding is also done on a priority basis.


Snow Storage Maintenance
Snow maintenance typically occurs on non-snow days but is not limited to those days. Snow storage maintenance consists of moving back berms and banks and grading roads to prevent ice buildup.

Residents:

Snowplowing will cause a build-up of snow in driveways. It is the resident's responsibility to clear their own driveway. Snow should be shoveled or blown away from the driveway entrance onto your property.  To prevent property damage, we recommend fencing, trees, lot corners, water meters, and ornamental rocks be clearly marked. Private trash containers and vehicles cannot be placed on the Town right of way.

Authority:

The Town of Star Valley Ranch Municipal Code has the following section which deals with snow:

Title VII Traffic Code - Chapter 72 Snow Removal