Your Role as a Driver

To ensure safety during snow and ice operations, please follow these important guidelines:

• Slow Down: Snowplows operate at reduced speeds. Always drive cautiously and avoid passing plows while they are actively clearing roads.
• Avoid Snow Clouds: Never drive into a snow cloud created by a plow—it significantly reduces visibility and increases risk.
• Plan Ahead: Allow extra travel time during winter weather conditions.
• Stay Focused: Avoid distractions and never use cruise control on icy or snowy roads.
• Keep Your Distance: Maintain a safe distance from trucks spreading sand or deicing materials.
• Stay Clear of Plows: Do not follow snow removal equipment too closely. Plows frequently reverse, and rear visibility is limited.

Carver County Snow Removal Operations

• Fleet Overview:
  Carver County operates a fleet of 16 primary plow trucks assigned to designated routes, supported by 4 spare trucks.

• Route Coverage:
  Each of the 16 routes is designed to complete:

  • One full pass in each lane within approximately 4 hours
  • Two full passes within 8 hours

• Operational Timing:
  Snow and ice removal typically begins at 2:00 AM during weather events. During these operations:

  • All 16 trucks are deployed
  • Two technicians remain on-site to maintain and repair equipment as needed

• Deicing Process:
  Each truck is equipped with a side saddle tank containing a liquid deicer—a blend of salt brine and other agents that lower the freezing point. This solution is applied to dry salt as it’s spread, helping:

  • Activate the salt more quickly
  • Reduce material scatter and bounce
  • Ensure better adherence to the road surface

  Application Rate: Dry salt is applied at a rate of 200–400 pounds per lane mile, depending on conditions.