Community Services

Storm Preparation & Clean Up

Between November and March, each winter storm is individually evaluated to determine appropriate road treatment options - optimizing snow removal and winter driving in unincorporated Washoe County. Treatments range from pretreatment with sand and/or brine and a dedicated regional effort to storm clean-up after every storm.

Pretreatment

Our ice control material is either brine* (salt water solution) or a mixture of salt and sand.  During sanding operations, a mixture of one part salt and three parts sand is utilized.  Brine will be used as a pre-treatment for grades, bridges and high volume roadways to help assist in keeping these areas free from ice and snow.  The individual operators determine when and where to best apply the material based on their training and professional experience.

Storm Clean Up

After a storm event, street sweepers will be sent out to remove all applied salt/sand materials as expeditiously and safely as weather and road conditions permit.  The County targets four (4) days after the end of a storm event to address salt/sand materials on streets.