Read the City Manager's Updates to KCMO Snow Operations in the news release published on January 5, 2021.  

With about 6,400 lane miles of roadway spread across a large area where snow and ice depth often varies considerably, managing and prioritizing clean up efforts is a challenge. The City’s current policy establishes different levels of operation in the event of snow and ice:

Level 1: In the event of a minor snow event and at the first sign of potentially significant snowfall, Public Works crews pre-treat arterial roads with anti-icing solution and perform minor plowing in key arterial and residential areas.

Level 2: A coordinated effort involving Public Works, KC Water, Solid Waste and Parks and Recreation crews who plow the City’s nearly 2,700 lane miles of arterial streets and roughly 3,300 lane miles of residential streets. Snow routes are put in effect and residents are urged to remove cars from residential streets to maintain access for motorists and snowplows.

Level 3: In the event of a blizzard, a snow emergency is declared. Personnel from all City departments are mobilized to plow snow. Some City services may be suspended during this time. Emergency routes are in effect and residents are urged to remove their cars from residential streets.

• The removal of snow and ice accumulation on streets is prioritized by average vehicle usage. Trucks are dispatched on assigned routes to routinely plow arterial streets 24 hours a day.
• Upgrades to the snow program in January 2021 added 24 hour plowing on residential (neighborhood) streets.
• Throughout the winter, resource management requires not only providing a sufficient response, but making sure we are using our resources like salt and calcium chloride wisely--at the proper time and in the appropriate conditions. This ensures we have the right tools and materials when colder temperatures snow and ice removal more difficult and increase equipment breakdowns.
• City crews use technological innovations to improve efficiency and safety during winter weather events. All snowplows are fitted with GPS devices, which allows the Snow Command to track plowing progress and redirect snowplows to key areas as needed.
• Track plowing efforts on our snow map.