Snowstorms bring icy street conditions to SE Idaho

These past holiday snowstorms have left some streets either slick or snow-packed for drivers.

The city of Chubbuck’s Public Works director Steven Smart said on blistery, heavy snowstorm days such as what southeast Idahoans experienced on Christmas Day, leaves the three snowplows working overtime to get those heavily-trafficked streets cleared first.

But, the problem is, once those streets are cleared, they turn around have to do them all over again since the snowfall is so abundantly frequent.

“We are doing the best we can do with what little resources we have,” Smart said.

But, this often leaves those smaller, residential streets left unattended, unplowed, and they eventually ice-over, leaving some drivers finding themselves sliding-off into the nearest curb or fence.

He said they typically send plows out when we see at least three inches start piling-up.

But, he said those plows will come trudging along down your street once the major streets are cleared and safe for drivers.

“This was the worst snowstorm we’ve seen here in recent history,” Smart recalled. “But, in a worse situation the mayor has the ability to declare a state of emergency and will probably urge drivers to keep their cars off the streets at that time to allow room for the snowplows to make their way through.”

Smart added, in many cities, you can be ticketed for not keeping the sidewalk in front of your home cleared from the snow.

In the city of Idaho Falls, citizens are urged to know where to park during snow removal days.