Bellingham, like much of the Puget Sound region, is somewhere in between long, icy winters and rarely experiencing snow. Significant snowfall in an “in-between” area like Bellingham always raises questions about appropriate levels of snow-related services. When should the City plow streets, and which ones come first? How much snow equipment should the City own? What responsibility do community members have for taking care of themselves and their property when it snows?
City Services
The City’s Public Works Department personnel monitor winter conditions from several facilities that are staffed 24 hours a day. The City responds to snow and ice events as best as possible using 12 plows/sanders and two anti-icing trucks.
Snow plow routes are prioritized based on routes that are essential for Whatcom Transportation Authority, Bellingham Public Schools, and Police and Fire services. Routes typically cleared first are main arterials and collector streets. These priority routes allow staff to efficiently and effectively use resources.
When snow is in the forecast, plows are installed on 12 trucks. The City begins plowing after a couple of inches have accumulated and more snow is expected, or sooner if conditions worsen.
Crews focus on priority snow routes first to keep main roads open for emergency responders, WTA, and Bellingham Public Schools. Four-lane roads are initially cleared to one lane in each direction, with more lanes opened as conditions allow. Please plan for winter weather, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for unplowed neighborhood streets.
Crews apply sand and salt when roads are icy or during snow removal, but use salt only in the downtown corridor and around Lake Whatcom to protect sensitive habitats. Any sand used is later cleaned up so it doesn’t enter storm drains, streams, or the bay. Crews work to strike the right balance — providing traction where needed without overapplying material.
When possible, an anti-icing solution made of liquid salt is applied to streets in advance of snow and ice. When snow is expected, crews travel through the City’s snow routes laying down deicer.
Your Responsibility
Winter weather can be dangerous. Please take precautions to protect yourself and our community by avoiding unnecessary travel, clearing sidewalks near your home, preventing frozen pipes and reporting issues to Public Works. These tips from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) can also help you prepare for winter storms and cold temperatures.
Resources
- Winter Shelters for Individuals Experiencing Homelessness
- Frequently Asked Questions
- SeeClickFix Reporting Tool
Contact
Email: AskPW@cob.org
Phone: (360) 778-7700
