Snow removal priorities

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Katrina Heikkinen
  • 341st Missile Wing Public Affairs
MALMSTROM AIR FORCE BASE, Mont. --  This winter season is expected to be very similar to last year's with below normal temperatures and above normal precipitation, according to Malmstrom Weather Forecaster.

The Snow and Ice Control Committee, consisting of Malmstrom's squadron and group commanders, meets twice annually to discuss what was learned from the past winter season and how to be prepared for the next one.

"With mission essential goals in mind, the Snow and Ice Control Committee determine snow removal instruction at Malmstrom," said Jerry Loveless, foreman, pavements and maintenance with the 341st Civil Engineer Squadron. "Twice a year, the committee meets once in the fall and once after the winter season. The committee decides what can be improved, what was learned from the past season and what priorities are the most mission essential to the base."

The roads, parking lots and sidewalks all fall under three priorities: priority 1 (red- mission essential), priority 2 (blue- very important) and priority 3 (yellow- all others). The roads are always cleared first. Priority one areas are plowed twice every eight hours; priority two areas are plowed once every eight hours and priority three areas are plowed once every 24-hours. In the event of a snowstorm, however, priority one areas are constantly being plowed, salted or sanded, as they are mission essential.

The liquid and crystal from of FreezGuard is used as a de-icer. The liquid form is used at temperatures as low as 15 degrees Fahrenheit. The crystal from is used at temperatures as low as minus 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Sand with rock chips is only used in extremely cold and icy conditions to provide traction only.

The following are local snow and ice control instructions:

Priority 1 Roads: Goddard Drive, Flightline Drive, Perimeter Road, Aspen Drive, 10th Avenue North, Birch Street, Cedar Street, Dogwood Street.

Priority 1 Parking lots: 3-bay hanger, Bldg. 500, Bldg. 295, commissary, clinic, Elkhorn Dining Facility.

Priority 1 Sidewalks: sidewalks from the dormitories to the dining facility.

Priority 2: Chiefs housing, Bldg. 250 (Tactical Response Force personnel), Bldg. 702, bioenvironmental personnel parking areas.

Priority 3: Jupiter Village, Atlas Village.

The 341st CES snow removal season is from Nov. 6 to May 6. They work 24-hours a day, seven days a week.

Members of Team Malmstrom can find a map of snow removal routes by viewing the slideshow located in the 10-Day share drive by clicking on Snow and Ice Control Pub ( AFI32-1002 341MWSUP), then click the first link- 2011 Snow-Ice Control Fall Meeting Slides 2.