Find detailed Hood River County snow removal information at hoodrivercounty.gov/snow.
Snow Removal info is easy to access
Hood River County Public Works Department is responsible for the maintenance of County roads and bridges, including snow removal during snow events. In addition to plowing, Public Works also applies a deicer material in strategic locations to prevent freezing and ice build-up and may apply cinders (or sand) on hills, curves, and high-speed roads after storm events when time allows.
A standard Snow Removal Policy is in place to provide consistent snow removal services identifying which County roads receive priority for these services, and which roads may be lower priority due to limited resources available. Find detailed Hood River County snow removal information at hoodrivercounty.gov/snow.
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An interactive Winter Maintenance Map is published online that describes different anticipated service levels and which county roads get plowed under each one. The web map is a great way to see all the snowplow routes and priority levels of various roads. People can use the search bar in the web map to locate a specific area or their property to see if street plowing is available to them. You can find the map on the webpage noted above, or link to it directly HERE.
Typically, during a snow event, primary roads are plowed daily and key areas are sanded after snowing stops. Local and residential roads are not expected to be plowed the first day and may take one to two days before plowing, depending on the amount of snowfall.
Based on information available for an impending storm event, and depending what resources (equipment and personnel) the public works department has available at the time, usable information can be provided to the public in real time to minimize travel disruptions
Contrary to most perceptions, Oregon counties are not required to plow snow and therefore service levels across the state vary according to each agency's ability to provide the best service with resources available.
Do not park on side of County Roads during snow events
The primary purpose of plowing snow is to provide an open travel lane for the flow of traffic and commerce. Residents are advised that it is illegal to park along a County road during snowstorms. This is to ensure that a snowplow or motor grader can service the road without encountering hindrances or creating dangers of a berm within a traffic lane. Vehicles left 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.
Residents are advised that the County does not shovel or clear driveways that become encumbered with snow due to plowing, nor is it responsible for ensuring mailboxes are accessible. While we realize this may cause an inconvenience to residents or postal carriers, the department, like most local governments across the nation, does not have resources to provide snow removal services at this level.
It’s recommended that all motor vehicles are supplied with tire chains or other traction devices and that travelers become familiar with using them. Please drive cautiously when snow or ice are on the road, avoid driving in inclement weather when possible, and always carry emergency supplies in case you become stranded. Be safe out there!