Valdez asks residents to move vehicles and boats out of neighborhood snow lots

The City of Valdez asked residents Friday to move vehicles, boats, trailers and other gear out of neighborhood snow lots. "Our Public Works crews need those areas clear to keep up with snow removal," the city said in a Facebook post that declared it "officially snow season."

The city posted the same request in an Alert Center notice at 8:56 am Friday, saying the designated neighborhood snow storage lots must remain clear so crews can manage snow removal throughout the winter season.

The city also pointed residents to its Snow Removal Code. The code requires that snow cleared from private property not block public travel ways, according to a city summary of the code. Snow from walkways and driveways may be piled at the roadside if it blocks no traffic. Other snow goes on private property or to an authorized city snow-storage lot. Parking is temporarily prohibited on any street while crews plow it, the summary says.

Crews typically start plowing once snow reaches about 4 inches, clearing routes for emergency services, schools and main roads first, according to the summary. Last October, city crews cleared snow-storage areas and set snow poles ahead of plowing, the city said.

The city told drivers to clear all snow off their vehicles, including the roof, windows and lights. "Roads are a little slicker and heavier than they were yesterday," the city said, urging drivers to allow extra time and leave more room between vehicles.

A winter weather advisory for Thompson Pass issued Wednesday by the National Weather Service Anchorage office called for 10 to 15 inches, with the heaviest snow Friday. It was extended overnight and expired at 2 am Saturday. Drivers can check 511.alaska.gov or call 511 for road conditions.

In Valdez itself, the weather service forecast rain showers through Monday, then rain and snow through Friday, Nov. 6, with 1 to 3 inches possible Tuesday night.