Arlington responds to snow, freezing temps

Arlington dealt with a good deal of snow and below freezing temperatures for several days during the recent snow storm.

“We got quite a bit of snow, but it was at least spread out over a number of days,” said Paul Ellis, Arlington city administrator. “That gave us a little bit of time to catch up."

Cold temperatures kept the snow around longer than usual for the area, said Ellis, but in many ways the storm was easier than last winter’s storm.

The most challenging part of snow storms for city crews is often trying to clear the snow during the day it comes.

“The hardest part for snow removal crews is often removing the snow as it is falling,” said Ellis.

During the previous winter’s big snow storm there was a lot more snowfall concentrated in one day, which is why it was more difficult to remove. This storm crews had a slightly less challenging time.

“We were able to get most of the snow cleared from the roads this year,” said Ellis.

City crews go on standby when snow is in the forecast and go to work in 12-hour shifts. During the six days of freezing temperatures crews worked in 12-hour shifts for most of those days, but had some relief in the middle.

“We took a little bit of a break last weekend, although they were still doing some overtime, just to let them rest a little,” said Ellis.

Approximately 400 tons of sand was used by the city during the recent snow event.

The city’s snow removal routes are decided prior to snow events and are available at the city of Arlington’s website by searching for “Snow & Ice Removal Routes.”

“We have a plow schedule we put together and crews start with the emergency routes,” said Ellis.

Roads that are necessary for police, fire and ambulances receive attention first.

“We keep a clear path right up to the hospital,” said Ellis.

After that, primary driving routes are cleared, and then the majority of residential routes.

“Some residential routes can’t be cleared because the plow would not be able to turn around in a particular cul-de-sac,” said Ellis.

Arlington has been without a cold weather shelter for a couple of years now, but have put some of their pandemic relief funds to help support people.

Those funds are currently being handled by the Volunteers of America of Western Washington.

“Although we don’t have a shelter in place, they are distributing some hotel vouchers,” said Ellis.

At least 16 families received support through the voucher program during the recent snow storm, said Ellis.

“Families get to stay together in their own room, so that works out really well,” he said.

Drivers kept cautious and safe this year as there were no major collisions.

“We were pretty good with accidents, and we certainly didn’t have any serious ones,” said Ellis.

Garbage collection had to be canceled for a couple of days during the storm as well.

“We contract with Waste Management for garbage service and they had to cancel some days of service,” said Ellis.

The bad weather came at a bad time for Waste Management, which already cancels a couple of days every year because of Christmas.

“This is tough for them because they’re always playing catch up during the holidays as well,” said Ellis.

Services resumed toward the end of the snow storm though.

“They’re out there trying to get everyone’s trash picked up,” said Ellis.