Winter

Landslide and Slip-out Repair

When a landslide or more minor slip-out occurs, crews are called to the site, day or night, to remove debris and reopen the road as soon as possible. Landslides or slip outs most often occur after heavy rainfall events but can also be related to unseen hill slope issues or settling caused by any number of factors.

De-Icing, Sanding and Snow Plowing

Winter can bring some challenging driving conditions, with icy roads, freezing fog, and snow. Our crews are on the roads early to get out ahead of commuters and school buses to open main routes. During snow events, we plow high volume roads first, then lower volume streets are plowed soon after. Crews can work up to 12 hours per day during a snow event, so if we haven't plowed your road yet, we are on our way. If you have any questions, you can call our office at (360) 577 - 3030.

Flood and Storm Response

Our crews work long hours to respond to flood or other emergency events. Crews may plow debris off the roadway, work at emergency repairs, clear slides, close and open roads (as conditions allow) and whatever else might need to happen to keep emergency access open. Response may continue for days, week and even years after 'normal' conditions return, working to maintain access to all County roads and neighborhoods after an event damaged County facilities.

Crack Sealing

The Department uses crack sealing to keep a roadway in good condition until a more permanent treatment can be made. Crack sealing is often done in the 'off season' to keep the roadway from deteriorating under more harsh winter conditions. Maintaining a good running surface on all County roads is a Department practice.

Brushing & Mowing

Winter and spring are the primary brushing seasons. Brushing and mowing involves using a mower, pruner and/or other tools to cut larger vegetation back from road, in compliance with the County Vegetation Management program. Brushing and mowing, along with other vegetation management actions, allows air circulation so the road dries more quickly, increases visibility and maintains a height and width corridor in accordance with County road standards. More information is available here.

Culvert, Ditch and Catch Basin Cleaning

With the heavy winter rains comes leaves, debris and other materials which can clog drainage and cause localized flooding. Crews check culverts, ditches and catch basins and clean them as needed to make sure the rain water is able to move through the drainage systems without backups or overflows.

Shoulder Repair

A road's gravel shoulder is important for several reasons, but a major reason is that it strengthens and supports the pavement adjacent to it. A shoulder in good repair allows a driver to drive off to the shoulder and back on without damaging the pavement. Shoulder repair is conducted during winter because plants are not growing and crews are able to do this even in poor weather.