Snow Plowing in Elkins: How Does it Work? Please Read These FAQs

While snowfall paints a stellar winter picture in Elkins, we recognize it can also cause anxiety about road conditions and travel. To address your concerns, here is an overview of the City’s snow plowing priorities and timeline. Knowing the plan helps us all navigate the storm more safely and patiently. A more comprehensive list of questions is here.

Why does the snowplow block my driveway after clearing the street?

The primary goal of snow plowing is to clear streets for safe travel. Plows push snow to the right side of the road, which can result in snow being deposited in front of driveways. Plow operators cannot stop or lift the blade at every driveway, as this would leave snow piles in the roadway and slow down clearing operations. We recommend clearing your driveway after the plow has passed through your street.

When shoveling your driveway, please place snow on the right side of your driveway as you are facing the street (or past your driveway, in the direction of traffic flow, on one-way streets). Taking such steps will prevent the bulk of the snow from being pushed back into your driveway. Snow must never be placed in the street: It creates hazardous driving conditions and causes the City’s snowplow to push it back in front of your driveway.

Elkins’ approach to snowplowing is fairly standard when compared to municipalities and state transportation agencies across the U.S.; here’s how the West Virginia Department of Transportation policy on clearing driveways and entrances to private businesses.

The plow came back after the storm and pushed more snow into my driveway. Why?

After a major storm, crews often return to clear the roads and improve drainage as snow melts. This “clean-up” phase helps prevent ice buildup and ensures the streets remain safe. Unfortunately, this may result in additional snow being pushed back into driveways or yards. Residents are responsible for clearing their driveways as needed.

When will my street be plowed?

The Operations Department prioritizes streets based on safety needs and traffic volume. The general order of plowing is:

• Main roads and emergency routes
• Secondary and feeder streets (main roads that connect several smaller residential streets to main arteries like Randolph Avenue).
• Residential streets
• Alleys, cul-de-sacs, and dirt roads

During heavy snow events, it may take 12 to 24 hours or longer after the snow stops falling for all residential streets to be cleared.

Why hasn’t my street been plowed yet?

Our crews work around the clock during winter storms, and do so with limited equipment and personnel, so it takes time to cover all areas. If your street has not been plowed within 24 hours after snow has stopped falling, please contact:

Operations Department

Shanna Poe, Administrative Assistant
Phone: (304) 636-1414 ext. 1437
Spoe@cityofelkinswv.gov

Melody Himes, Operations Assistant
Phone: 304-636-1414 ext. 1433
Mhimes@cityofelkinswv.gov

Mike Kesecker, Operations Manager
Phone: 304-636-1414 ext. 1441
Mkesecker@cityofelkinswv.gov

What can residents do to help with snow removal?

• Clear driveways and sidewalks after plows have passed.
• Keep garbage cans, vehicles, and sports equipment like basketball hoops out of the street.
• Clear snow from around fire hydrants and mailboxes.
• Be patient—our crews are working as quickly and safely as possible.

The City of Elkins reminds business owners and residents that city code requires property owners to remove snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their properties. Please imagine how dangerous it can be for elderly residents, people with disabilities, or parents with strollers to navigate sidewalks that are not cleared.

How can I get alerts about snow emergencies or parking bans?

Sign up for City of Elkins alerts and if you use social media, follow the City of Elkins on Facebook.

During significant storms, there is a chance the City will enforce temporary parking bans to assist snowplow operations.

Any parking ban would be due to a significant snowstorm which requires snow to be hauled out of the City, and we would issue an alert notifying residents.

What if I have a medical emergency and my street isn’t plowed?

Always call 911 in an emergency. First responders are equipped to handle such challenges during winter weather.