Citation

Williams D, Linebarger C. APWA Reporter 2001; 68(10): 33-35.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, American Public Works Association)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

After there had been a number of complaints about poor road conditions due to a winter storm in the Thompson Falls, Montana, area, officials set out to investigate why the Thompson Falls section of the MT 200 highway had snow and ice pack after the storm had passed, while the Plains section of the road was bare. Officials determined that the difference was due to something other than a difference in weather conditions. Upon closer examination, they found that more liquid magnesium chloride, a chemical that helps break up snow and ice, was applied to the Plains section. This study points to the benefits of preventative (versus reactive) winter maintenance. Early application of chemicals can prevent snow pack or facilitate early breakup of snow back.