SALINA, Kan. — On January 4 and 5, 2025, Salina faced one of the largest snowfalls in its history, marking the most significant single-event accumulation in 63 years. The City of Salina has since mobilized an exhaustive response to manage the unprecedented weather event and ensure the safety and accessibility of local roadways.
In anticipation of the storm, city crews pre-treated streets with chemicals designed to melt snow and ice. As the snowfall began, the City escalated efforts, deploying plows to operate continuously from January 4 through January 6. Crews worked 24-hour shifts to keep major roadways navigable during the height of the storm.
"We recognize the significant challenge this snowfall posed to our community," a City spokesperson said. "Our crews have been working tirelessly to address road conditions and maintain public safety."
Ongoing Plowing Efforts
The work did not end when the storm subsided. Throughout the week, city staff continued plowing operations to tackle issues such as:
- Snow being pushed back into streets from plowing and shoveling efforts.
- Intersections developing ridges where snowplow passes crossed in opposite directions.
- Residential streets being plowed in each direction twice and additional plowing commencing on January 10.
The City has emphasized that current plowing operations are running at full capacity, with all available staff and equipment deployed.
Key Challenges and Reminders
City officials have outlined several factors impacting the effectiveness of snow removal:
- Trucks are assigned to specific zones, meaning residents may see trucks traveling through with salt to return to their designated areas.
- Nighttime plowing is less effective due to re-freezing conditions caused by melting snow during the day.
- Clearing streets down to bare pavement requires a combination of multiple plowings, traffic, and thawing conditions.
- Snow moved during driveway and parking lot shoveling often ends up back on roadways.
To minimize snow being plowed back into driveways, the City recommends residents clear an area of 10 to 12 feet to the left of their driveways. This practice helps direct most of the plowed snow to an open space rather than in front of driveways.
Additionally, officials have underscored the importance of shoveling sidewalks to ensure the safety of pedestrians, particularly school children, who might otherwise be forced to walk in streets under dangerous driving conditions.
Looking Ahead
"We appreciate the community's patience as we work to clear roadways following this historic storm," the spokesperson added. "After every snowstorm, we evaluate our performance and revise snowplowing policies and procedures as needed to better serve our residents."
