County Public Works crew clears recent snowfall on Dee Highway

Snow Removal info is easy to access

Hood River County Public Works Department is responsible for maintaining County roads and bridges, which requires special attention during winter months.

A Snow Removal Policy is in place to provide consistent snow removal services and establish service priorities. For detailed information about snow removal in Hood River County, please visit hoodrivercounty.gov/snow.

Our interactive Winter Maintenance Web Map outlines different anticipated service levels and indicates which county roads will be plowed under each level. This web map is an excellent resource for viewing all snowplow routes and priority levels assigned to various roads. Users can use the search bar within the web map to determine the availability of street plowing for their property.

If you have any questions, our Public Works Office is open Monday-Friday from 7am to 3:30pm, and our road crews generally work these hours as well. Each morning, one crew member begins their shift at 3 am to monitor road conditions, perform necessary plowing, and request additional crew assistance. During known inclement weather events, our dedicated crew works from 4 am to 4:30 pm, seven days a week.

During a snow event, primary roads are plowed daily, and key areas are sanded after snowfall has stopped. Local and residential roads may not be plowed on the first day. It could take one to two days before snow removal occurs, depending on the snowfall amount.

• Residents should be aware that it’s illegal to park along a County road during a snowstorm. This regulation ensures that snowplows or motor graders can service the road without obstacles and prevents the formation of snow berms within traffic lanes.
• Vehicles parked along a County road during a snowstorm may be subject to towing at the owner’s expense by either the Public Works Department or the Hood River County Sheriff's Office.
• During garbage days, community members should place cans further back as snowplow operators are unable to direct snow to avoid garbage cans.

When driving in winter conditions, it is important to take extra precautions. Please reduce your speed, drive carefully, and be sure your vehicle is equipped with proper winter tires, chains, or other traction devices.

Here are some important points to keep in mind:

• Fallen trees are more common during the winter weather.
• Culverts and ditches may become clogged with debris and increased water flow.
• Even if roads look clear and dry, there may be patches of ice.
• Always carry emergency supplies in case you become stranded.

Be safe out there!