Valdez declares it's 'officially snow season' and asks residents to clear snow lots

The City of Valdez declared it "officially snow season" on Friday and asked residents 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 on Facebook.

Valdez averages about 325 inches of snow a year, according to NOAA's 1991-2020 climate normals.

Crews typically start plowing once snow reaches about 4 inches, clearing routes for emergency services, schools and main roads first, according to a city summary of its snow removal code. Parking is off-limits on a street while plows are working it.

Residents can pile snow from driveways and walkways at the roadside as long as it doesn't block traffic. Other snow goes on private property or to an authorized city snow lot.

The city also asked drivers to clear snow off their whole vehicle, roof, windows and lights included. "Roads are a little slicker and heavier than they were yesterday," it said.

Up the Richardson Highway, Thompson Pass was forecast to get 10 to 15 inches under a winter weather advisory that expired at 2 am Saturday.

In town, the National Weather Service forecasts rain showers through Monday, then rain and snow through next Friday, with 1 to 3 inches possible Tuesday night.