The Department of Public Works’ mission is to assure safe access through all weather conditions. We will do everything possible to keep the roads safe during and after snowstorms and in icy conditions. Still, it is the driver’s responsibility to ensure the proper use of traction control devices. Please drive safely.
Once snow removal operations have begun, Calaveras County snow removal crews will continue to plow snow and push it back to the shoulders within the County right-of-way until removal is completed in preparation for additional storm events. In order to maintain snow-free roadways, it is imperative that there is adequate space on the road shoulder for new snow.
Unfortunately, it is a necessity for the success of every snow removal operation to repeatedly push the snow back (crowd) to the shoulders of the road. The process of plowing and crowding the snow will result in the formation of berms, the pile of snow left in front of all driveways. We will attempt to complete this crowding activity as soon as possible so the creation of additional berms is kept to a minimum. Clearing berms left in driveways is the resident’s responsibility. Please note if you clear the berm by depositing the snow back onto the County-maintained roadway, it will be plowed back into a berm when the snowplow makes its next pass down that road. There is no discernment between fresh snow and shoveled snow into the roadway. Also, be aware that snow may remain in parking areas for hours or days after the snow event has ended.
Only main roads and school bus routes are sanded when they are icy.
County right-of-way during snow removal season are strictly enforced. Your car will be towed. The County will not be responsible for damage caused by snow removal operations of vehicles left in County right-of-way.
All citizens and business owners will need to follow parking restrictions and commit in order to keep all county maintained rights of way clear during snow plowing operations. The parking or standing of vehicles on the County road, including shoulders, during snow removal operations is prohibited. A member of the California Highway Patrol or Sheriff’s office shall have any vehicles left on the road towed at owner’s expense.
The County’s supply of sand and sandbags is intended for emergencies and emergency flood fighting. Sand and sandbags are stocked at the request of the County Office of Emergency Services in anticipation of continuous and extended heavy rainfall events where severe, widespread flooding may occur. Depending on the event and the inventory available for protecting private property, the quantity of sand issued per resident or business owner may be limited.
If your property has a history of flooding or standing water each year (such as water building up at the garage or back patio for example), you are encouraged to get sandbags in advance of the rainy season and have them on hand throughout the winter. Sandbags and sand are available, inexpensively, at most hardware and home improvement stores.
If you’re planning ahead for the next storm, the County encourages you to utilize local home improvement stores for sandbags.
Self-Service Sandbag Locations
Calaveras County has designated certain roads which will be sanded in order to maintain the main routes for traffic. These routes include school bus routes and major thoroughfares.
To report a tree down across the road or any other road related emergency after 4:00 PM, or weekends, please call the Sheriff's Department at (209) 754-6500 and they will contact the road crew to respond promptly.