Long-lasting snow and ice caused havoc in the region as temperatures did not approach a thawing point until the last day of the work week.
Once temperatures allowed for melting over the weekend, many new problems were discovered. Throughout Clark County, social media users reported potholes on numerous main thoroughfares, including both the north and south lanes of state Route 503 between Eaton Boulevard and the railroad crossing in Brush Prairie.
Other impacts after the storm include tire ruts on grass and natural areas along roadways and in parks. Social media users reported this problem with recreational thrill seekers at Daybreak Park.
Preparation for the winter weather event began early as the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) focused on interstates and then state highways in southern Clark County for “pre-treatment,” stated Sarah Hannon-Nein, WSDOT Southwest Region communications, in an email.
“Low elevation snow and ice along high trafficked routes such as [Interstate] 5, [Interstate] 205, [state Route] 14 and [state Route] 500 are the main areas of concern as it affects a larger number of travelers, and the potential impacts can be greater,” Hannon-Nein stated. “Cold temperatures and wet and icy roadways have been challenging for crews as ‘pre-treatment’ is contingent upon how much rain has fallen prior to expected snow or ice and with how wet the roads were initially. Any material we applied would’ve washed right off the roadway. Luckily, the cold temperatures dried the roadways enough for us to pre-treat in preparation for the storm.”
In northern Clark County, state Route 503 and other state highways thawed out with the help of road treatments, as well.
The side roads were the main concern for area school districts, and most canceled classes for the entire week. Hockinson and Woodland school districts opted to reopen school for one day on Friday, Jan. 19. High school athletics took a major hit from the storm with no games or practices due to the closures.
When the ice crusted over the top of the snow on Tuesday, Jan. 16, the driving conditions became hazardous, Hannon-Nein added. She also provided some future advice about venturing out into the conditions.
“We ask that travelers delay travel plans if possible for the safety of our crews and the traveling public. Less cars on the roadways gives our crews more space to work,” she stated. “If you must travel, prepare for slick road conditions, especially on elevated structures like overpasses, ramps and bridges. They tend to freeze first and thaw last. During winter weather, it’s important to remember to slow down, increase your following distance and drive to your comfortability. Each person doing their part helps everyone make it home safe and sound at the end of the day.”
The WSDOT has quick resources for drivers to use instead of asking fellow social media users how road conditions are in the area.
“We encourage travelers to make sure you and your car are ready for snowy and icy conditions. Check the forecasts and routes before heading out,” Hannon-Nein stated. “Travelers can get up-to-date information by downloading our mobile app, checking our real-time travel map on our website or following the southwest region X (Twitter) account.”
To access real-time travel data, visit wsdot.com/travel/re al-time/.
