Snow and ice FAQs
What training do the plow drivers get each winter season?
New plow drivers from across the state attend a two-week snow plow operator training at Camp Ripley, north of St. Cloud. They learn safe plowing operations and techniques to best combat various weather and road conditions.
MnDOT has approximately 800 plows and 1,700 trained plow drivers statewide. All of them have refresher training each season, which includes using a snowplow simulator to practice plowing in severe conditions without ever leaving the garage.
How does MnDOT decide which roads to clear first?
In general, plows are deployed at the same time to all roads, or plow routes. However, some plow routes on less-traveled roads have one plow assigned to them. Other more heavily travelled routes have several plows assigned to them. It all depends on how much traffic uses those roads. During large, severe storms, resources can be stretched thin and maintenance crews give priority to interstates and highways that are traveled the most.
When does MnDOT start taking action if snow is in the forecast?
Maintenance supervisors constantly check several weather and road conditions reports to determine when plow crews are needed. Before the snow hits, plows may apply a layer of liquid de-icer, if conditions warrant it. When the storm comes, crews work around-the-clock on most highways until conditions return to normal winter driving. On roads with fewer vehicles, snow removal hours may be more limited.
How come I never saw a plow on the road during the last storm?
MnDOT plow routes can be as long as a 50-mile loop for one plow, so it is quite possible that someone might not see a plow while they’re out on the road. Also, the plows could be heading in the same direction as your vehicle just a few minutes behind you. Be assured that during winter weather, the plows are out on their routes.
How does MnDOT decide when to use salt, sand or other chemicals?
The decision is based on a combination of pavement temperature, type of precipitation (snow, sleet, freezing rain) and how quickly the precipitation is falling. In general, salt melts ice, sand improves traction for vehicles and other maintenance chemicals help enhance the effectiveness of salt. For example, salt is less effective at melting ice during extremely cold temperatures. Mixing salt with other chemicals helps melt the ice faster.
Why not use more sand?
Sand doesn’t melt ice. It is also very expensive to purchase and clean up in the spring time. Sand sediment is harmful to natural water sources, so MnDOT continues working hard to limit and reduce sand use.
Why do snowplow trucks just ride around even when it is not snowing?
Before storms, after storms and when temperatures change, plow drivers are often out patrolling for scattered slippery spots on bridges, ramps or in areas that are shaded from the sun. Scattered slippery spots are a serious concern because they can cause unsuspecting drivers to quickly lose control of their vehicle.
Plow trucks may also be applying an anti-icing liquid to the road before a storm begins, which creates a layer between the road and the precipitation to help prevent ice formation on the road.
Why do the plows drive so slowly? It creates major back-ups.
MnDOT snowplow operators are instructed to apply material at the slowest safe speed possible—usually about 30 mph—to make sure the materials stay on the road rather than bounce onto the shoulder or ditch. By driving slowly, more material stays in the lane and therefore is more effective at making the roads safe. Driving at lower speeds also prevents snow clouds and prevents the plowed snow from damaging mailboxes and other structures near the road.
My car is covered in salt after following a snowplow. Do you need to use that much salt?
MnDOT advises that vehicles stay at least five car lengths behind a snow plow, which will help prevent salt from affecting your vehicle. Plow operators are trained to determine the correct amount of salt for conditions. The temperature, precipitation type and severity of the storm all determine when and how much salt to use.
Who is responsible for plowing the county roads and city streets? I thought MnDOT does it all.
Roads in Minnesota can be owned and maintained by MnDOT, counties or cities. In general, MnDOT plows state highways, U.S. highways and interstates. County highway departments take care of county roads and city public works personnel plow city streets.
Where do you take all that snow when the piles get too big?
If snow piles get too high, plow drivers transport the snow to designated storage areas. These are often located in the grassy inner areas of interchange loops or ramps.
Why does it take so long for the plows to clear the turn lane to my house on a four-lane divided highway?
Plow drivers begin clearing the turn lanes and medians to homes during the ‘clean-up’ phase after a winter storm. Their top priority is ensuring the main-line highway is clear. Some motorists may need to drive past their turn to the next intersection and then ‘U-turn’ to reach their home. Keep in mind that only State Patrol and MnDOT vehicles can legally use the crossovers to change direction on a highway.
Why are the MnPASS lanes on I-394 and I-35W so expensive on days when it snows?
Use of the MnPASS lanes typically increases on snowy days, because there is increased traffic. MnPASS pricing is based on the levels of congestion, which is measured by loop detectors embedded in the roadways. Prices range from 25 cents to $8 and increase as congestion increases, which maintains a free flowing lane of traffic.