Have you ever wondered how the public agencies manage to keep us safe on snowy roads without harming the pristine clarity of Tahoe? Science has proven that the number one source of lake clarity loss comes from runoff from roads into the Lake. Runoff generated by these impervious surfaces picks up sediment like sand applied to make winter roads safe for driving. How we treat the roads during, before, and after can have a huge impact on Tahoe’s famed clarity.
Road managers spend a lot of time testing and refining techniques and tools for when the snow starts flying. Here is a look at some of the various materials and tools that are used to keep our roads and the Lake safe during the winter.
Materials
When we put materials on the road matters:
Pre-Wetting systems:
- Prewetting systems are employed to both enhance the ability of sand particles to stay on the road and also act like an anti-icer/de-icer. Prewetting systems apply a small spray of brine on the sand prior to being spread on the road surface. This allows the sand to stay on the road longer, bounce/scatter less, increase traction, and lower the freezing point of the road.
How we spread the material counts:
Epoke Spreaders (Sand Spreaders):
- Epoke spreaders are an advanced winter maintenance strategy that applies less traction material to the road while more efficiently distributing it.
What we put on the roads is critical:
Brine/Beet Juice Applications:
- Brine is a water-salt mixture used as an anti-icing agent to control ice buildup on the road surface and reduce the freezing point of the road surface to prevent ice from forming. The brine is mixed at a ratio that includes much more water than salt. Brine is a great alternative to dry salt, which can blow off of the shoulders and causes negative consequences to the natural environment and lake clarity.
Salt & Sand Mixture
- Salt and sand are mixed at a ratio of two parts sand and one-part salt. The mixture is applied strategically to hills, curves, poor drainage areas, schools, and at reported safety concerns. While the salt is used to melt the ice, the sand is used for improved traction. Sand particles continue to move around on the road, making it hard for ice to form even at low temperatures.
In addition, transportation agencies work hard to get out and recover sand applied to roads to make them safe for driving. Hi-tech road sweepers enable for these materials to be picked up before they can be ground up and more easily transported in stormwater runoff.
Road Resources to Help You Stay Safe
Before you head out, you can track current road conditions in real-time at the NV 511 site. There are even webcams, so you can see how much snow is on the roads.
Driving Tips for Winter Roads
- Only travel in winter weather when necessary, leave enough time to safely reach your destination and plan your route to help avoid snowy/icy areas and steep hills.
- Share your travel itinerary so others know when to expect you.
- Remove snow and ice from all vehicle windows, mirrors, lights, turn signals and license plates.
- Turn off cruise control.
- Avoid quick starts, stops and fast turns. Accelerate, brake and steer smoothly and gradually.
- Reduce speed. Speed limits are based on normal road and weather conditions, not winter road conditions.
- Do not slam on brakes. Apply steady pressure on ABS-equipped (antilock braking system) vehicles and pump the brakes if necessary on non-ABS vehicles.
- Always comply with all posted traction device requirements.
- If your vehicle has snow tires, install and use them between October 1 and April 30.
- Keep additional distance from other vehicles.
- Watch carefully for snow removal equipment.
- Do not pass without good distance and sight clearance.
- Use extra caution on bridges, ramps, overpasses and shaded areas- they may freeze first.
- Maintain a high fuel level.
- If vehicle begins to skid, steer in direction of slide and slowly remove foot from accelerator.
- Be aware of black ice.
- If parked or stuck in snow, leave window slightly cracked for ventilation and make sure vehicle exhaust system is clear of snow.