The Science of Snow Preparation

When winter storms threaten the Shenandoah Valley, VDOT's Staunton District springs into action long before the first flakes fall. In this episode of The Valley Today, host Janet Michael speaks with Ken Slack, Communications Specialist for the district, who reveals that preparation begins days in advance, with teams monitoring weather systems and planning for the worst-case scenario. "It's a whole lot easier and more efficient for us to scale back if we need to than it is to try to ramp up at the last minute," Ken explains.

The district's response involves far more than simply sending out plows. In fact, VDOT employs a sophisticated approach that considers air temperature, ground temperature, precipitation type, and timing. Before a storm arrives, crews apply brine pre-treatment—those distinctive white stripes residents see on interstates and major roadways. However, this isn't done indiscriminately. If forecasters predict rain before snow, crews hold off on pre-treating because the rain would simply wash away these valuable resources.

A Massive Operation Across 11 Counties

The scale of VDOT's winter operations is staggering. The Staunton District covers 11 counties stretching from Winchester to Natural Bridge and west to Covington, including approximately 150 miles of I-81. During significant storms, the district mobilizes up to 900 trucks—a combination of VDOT equipment and contracted vehicles. "VDOT cannot do this alone," Ken emphasizes, noting that the agency begins reaching out to contractors and hired equipment operators as early as spring and summer.

Moreover, the district's geography creates unique challenges. What happens in Highland County—Virginia's "Little Switzerland"—often differs dramatically from conditions in Frederick or Page counties. To address this variability, VDOT divides the district into three residencies, which are further broken down into area headquarters staffed by locals who know every cold spot and sun-deprived stretch of road in their territory.

Why Your Street Gets Plowed Last

Understanding VDOT's road hierarchy helps explain why some streets see plows immediately while others wait. The agency follows a clear priority system: interstates first, then primary roads (numbered below 600), followed by secondary roads (600 and higher), and finally subdivisions and side streets. This approach ensures that emergency responders can reach hospitals, fire departments remain accessible, and commerce continues flowing.

During heavy, sustained snowfall, plow drivers may never leave the interstate. Ken describes drivers making continuous loops on their assigned sections—perhaps 13 miles of eastbound and westbound lanes—for their entire 12-hour shift. "By the time they do that whole circuit, an hour's probably passed," he notes. "And guess what? If it's snowing an inch an hour or quite often more, they're gonna be doing it again and again and again."

The Driveway Dilemma and Other Frustrations

Perhaps no issue generates more complaints than the freshly plowed driveway that gets filled back in by a passing plow truck. Ken addresses this head-on, explaining that drivers cannot lift their plows at every driveway without leaving dangerous gaps throughout their routes. Instead, he offers practical advice: when shoveling, push snow to the right side of the driveway (facing the road) to minimize re-accumulation, and if possible, wait until after the plow passes to clear the apron.

Additionally, residents can help crews by parking off-street during storms, removing trash cans and other obstacles from roadways, and postponing travel. "Give us a chance to do our jobs," Ken urges, noting that plow operators navigate not just snow but also vehicles, mailboxes, fire hydrants, and occasionally even thrown snow shovels from frustrated residents.

The Human Element

Behind every plow truck sits a person working grueling 12-hour shifts, often for days at a time during major storms. These operators face thankless conditions—plowing day and night, navigating around obstacles, and dealing with both grateful residents offering coffee and angry ones shaking fists. Ken shares a heartwarming story of a driver who saw someone running toward his truck with a shovel, bracing for confrontation, only to receive a bag of donuts instead.

The trucks themselves rarely stop running during major events. Like police cruisers, they simply swap drivers at shift changes, refuel, reload with salt, and head back out. This continuous operation keeps roads as clear as possible while snow continues falling.

Planning for the Unpredictable

Ultimately, VDOT's winter strategy balances preparation with flexibility. The agency maintains finite resources funded by taxpayers and must deploy them strategically. Teams make countless decisions—which roads to salt versus plow, when to call in contractors, how to allocate equipment across varying conditions—all while storms evolve unpredictably.

For residents wondering when their street will be cleared, Ken offers reassurance: "We will get to you." The key is patience and understanding that during significant storms, crews work around the clock following a system designed to keep the most critical routes open first. And for those who spot a tractor or unmarked truck clearing their subdivision, there's a good chance VDOT is writing that operator a check—proof that the agency's network of support extends far beyond its own fleet.

As winter weather continues threatening the region, one message rings clear: VDOT's snow response is equal parts science, strategy, and stamina, executed by dedicated crews who deserve recognition rather than snow shovels thrown at their trucks.