Warming temperatures impact snow and ice control

Above zero temperatures

The forecast for Whitehorse is calling for above zero temperatures in the days ahead, following several weeks of frigid temperatures and heavy snow falls.

This is expected to cause daily melting and freezing cycles throughout the rest of the week that will create difficulties for snow and ice control across the city.

Residents can expect challenging conditions throughout the city’s transportation network.

Crews have been working diligently to remove snow from residential areas in recent days, and that work continues. Residents can expect some snow to melt, creating slushy and rutted conditions during the day and then freezing into place overnight.

Crews and contractors will continue to monitor conditions and respond as necessary. If significant melt is expected to make roads impassable, crews will work to remove snow and ice as expeditiously as possible. This work can be expected to create some windrows along streets.

The City recognizes the work to address these challenging conditions will cause some inconvenience for residents. We are asking residents to exercise caution and patience in the coming days and to continue to help each other manage these dynamic conditions.

The City added a dozen new pieces of equipment to its snow clearing fleet last winter along with several additional staff to enhance the City’s snow and ice control efforts. All available resources will continue to be deployed to address snow and ice together with support from local contractors.

Clearing sidewalks

The City is also reminding residents and business owners of their shared responsibility in snow and ice control.

Residents are required to clear ice and snow from the sidewalk in front of their property within 48 hours after a snowfall or freezing rain event. By clearing your sidewalk, you help prevent accidents, injuries, and keep your community safe.

Business and commercial property owners must remove snow or ice from the sidewalks and lane crossings bordering their property by 11 a.m. after a snowfall or freezing rain event. This responsibility includes snow removal and applying sand or salt to prevent icy conditions. Please ensure your staff or hired contractors are aware of these duties.

If you fail to keep the sidewalk clear, a ticket will be issued. The fine associated with this violation is $250.

When clearing sidewalks, do not place snow or ice on roadways. This includes windrows. Be sure not to cover fire hydrants, utility boxes or other critical infrastructure when clearing snow and ice. It is also recommended to remove vehicles and any other obstacles from roadways that may impede snow clearing operations.

Report a Problem

If you observe sidewalks in that are not being properly cleared, have concerns about snow and ice control, or observe pooling water or blocked catch basins, please use the City’s Report a Problem form. These reports go directly to the responsible department and ensure issues are addressed as quickly as possible.

For more details on snow and ice control and the City’s work to manage snow and ice around the city, please visit whitehorse.ca/snow.