Snow Removal

While the winter sport enthusiasts look forward to the fluffy white stuff falling from above, there are others who are not as joyful when our favorite local meteorologist says, “Bundle up folks, we are expecting 2-4 inches of snow over the next 24 hours.” 

Snow removal is a big job for the majority of us, particularly when nature repeatedly challenges us with a large amount of snow in a short period of time. It’s cold, our vehicles get stuck in it and shoveling snow is not the most enjoyable task. In fact, snow removal in general is inconvenient, frustrating and occasionally makes us late for work, which is never a good way to start our day. We get it. We, too, have pushed our vehicles out of driveways and embankments a time or two. Ugh!

Teamwork is essential during weather events that impact our entire city. While the City of Idaho Falls provides resources to remove snow from city streets, park pathways, city-owned parking lots, and portions of 17,000 residential driveway approaches, we do not have resources available to clear sidewalks and other right-of-ways. That’s where our partners in snow removal come into play – you! 

There are individuals in our community who rely on sidewalks and crosswalks to navigate around the city. The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requires that all of us maintain ADA-compliant access to sidewalks and pathways year-round, which includes removing snow and ice. Thankfully, we are very fortunate to live in a community where it’s not uncommon to see individuals lend a helping hand to others who may be unable to shovel snow due to ailments or disabilities. Keep up the great work, Idaho Falls!

Tips for Keeping Sidewalks and Pathways Safe:

The best place to move snow is onto landscaped areas in the yard or the corner of a parking lot. Placing snow on any public pathway such as a street, sidewalk, easement, right-of-way, alleyway or sidewalk makes travel difficult for those who rely on those pathways and is also against city code.

Please avoid blowing, throwing or pushing snow from driveways and walks into the street. These methods may create significant traffic hazards.

If you have concerns with parked cars on city streets during a snow event (2 inches or more of snow on the roadway) when parking restrictions are in place, call the non-emergency dispatch number at 208-529-1200. You can also call this number if you have concerns that snow and ice have not been removed from sidewalks. 

Click here to read the February issue of Idaho Falls Magazine.