Engineering / Highway

Snow Removal Policy

It is the intent of the Clay County Highway Department to provide safe and reasonable winter driving conditions on County Highways for the general public. At the same time, the method for snow removal must economically balance the benefits and costs and may be limited by budgets, equipment and labor.

Snow removal operations will normally begin after an accumulation of two inches of snow. Weather conditions are monitored by the County Engineer and the Foreman. Snow operations may begin at any time if conditions require, however weekends and overnight snows with less than two inches of accumulation may not be addressed until normal work shifts.

It is not our policy to secure a “bare pavement” on the roads. Our first priority is to plow and apply traction materials (CA16 chips) to the hills, curves, stop signs, and priority areas. There may exist conditions that require the temporary suspension of snow removal operations for the safety of both the Department employees and the general public. Such conditions include sustained high winds with blowing snow limiting visibility, excessively heavy snowfall rates, or a prolonged ice storm. If it is deemed necessary to suspend snow removal operations, the County Highway Department will notify the Sherriff Department and the 911 dispatch.  Work will resume when conditions allow for the safe removal of snow and ice. When conditions improve and the priority areas have been covered, application of traction material may be applied to secondary areas as conditions warrant. Priority will then be given to the more heavily traveled roads and as time permits, to the lesser traveled highways. Complete removal of snow and ice may not be possible until weather and temperature conditions improve.

The Clay County Highway Department WILL NOT be responsible for damage to mailboxes, posts, fences, landscaping, etc. that is impacted by the snow from a plow.  Mailboxes and posts should be maintained by the residence so that they can withstand the impact of the plowed snow.  The plow driver strive to turn the blade at driveways and mailboxes to avoid impacting the objects. 

It is the intent of the Clay County Highway Department to maintain the County Highway system efficiently and economically. Inconvenience to motorists while regrettable is unavoidable. Motorists must use extreme caution when driving in inclement weather.