Snow and ice

View a map of King County snow and ice removal routes. (PDF 2MB) We plow the roads that are designated on the snow and ice route map. Other streets may be plowed for emergency access or after the main arterials are cleared.

There are 583 miles of designated snow and ice routes in unincorporated King County. These snow and ice routes include high-volume roads that deliver traffic to and from the highway, lifeline emergency routes, transit routes and minor collector roads that serve densely-populated areas.

We have a plan to plow up to 70 additional miles during large, countywide snow events. The additional miles would be plowed by a private snow removal vendor when county resources are at full capacity. The County is in the process of finding a vendor.

Call or email our 24/7 Road Helpline to request snow removal service, or to report downed trees, flooding or any other winter weather emergency. In smaller, localized events crews, may be able to reach residential areas upon request. However, during large, countywide events, crews must prioritize plowing main arterials and major roads and may not be able to reach residential streets.

Phone: 206-477-8100; Relay: 711
Email: maint.roads@kingcounty.gov

Yes. In December of 2019, Road Services launched a beta version of its Winter Weather Response Map to track where our snowplows were working in near real time. As of mid-April 2020 the map is offline and is expected to return for the winter of 2020-21.

• Category 1 routes are plowed first, then category 2, category 3 and so on.
• Category 1 routes include main roadways (primary arterials, transit routes, lifeline routes) providing regional connections between communities.
• Category 2 routes are main roadways (primary arterials, main thoroughfares, and arterials leading to state highways) and minor arterials feeding densely-populated areas.
• Category 3 routes are minor collectors that lead to and connect with Category 1 and 2 routes. These routes provide continuity between towns, cities, and large subdivisions. Category 4 routes are secondary commuter routes that connect Category 1, 2, and 3 routes along with other jurisdictions.

Countywide events often require us to dispatch all of our available snow response resources to plow and sand as many miles of designated snow routes as possible.

A countywide snow and ice event occurs when snow and ice response crews are needed in most or all areas of unincorporated King County at the same time.

A localized snow and ice event occurs when snow and ice response crews are needed in one or two parts areas of unincorporated King County at the same time.

At times, snow may accumulate faster than our plows can keep up with; however county crews will plow and sand the primary routes throughout the snow event. The county's primary (category 1) snow routes connect police and fire stations, hospitals and emergency centers. Category 2, category 3 and category 4 routes will be plowed and sanded in descending order after category 1 routes.

Hazards in the roadway, such as fallen trees or downed power lines, extraordinary public safety needs or equipment breakdowns could delay snow-clearing work.

You can check our beta Winter Weather Response Map to see where our plows are in real time. As of mid-April 2020 the map is offline and is expected to return for the winter of 2020-21.

The county does not have the resources to plow all 1500 miles of road in unincorporated King County.

We will work with first responders to clear roads that are outside of our designated snow routes during extraordinary public safety emergencies. However, in most cases, communities should not expect roads other than designated snow routes to be plowed and sanded in any type of storm.

The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) manages state highways and freeways. Check WSDOT's snow and ice page for news and information.

For snow removal in cities and towns in King County, visit the city or town's website (here's a list of links) and look for snow and ice information or plow routes and maps.

If needed, snowplows will be pulled off routes to help emergency vehicles gain access into neighborhoods for life and safety emergency response. Emergency snowplowing is coordinated through the 9-1-1 center and the Office of Emergency Management.

King County employs year-round licensed and trained road maintenance crews that are experienced at operating snow and ice removal equipment. Crew members actively roam unincorporated King County roadways around the clock to monitor and respond to winter weather such as ice and snow, flooding and downed trees.

King County crews from other departments such as the Department of Natural Resources and Parks are also trained to drive plows and help clear and sand roads within our designated snow route area when needed.

No. The County cannot authorize private citizens to plow public roads. Plowing public roads is dangerous and difficult work. Please do not attempt to plow a county road. Private citizens who plow a public road risk significant personal liability if someone is hurt or killed, or if property is damaged.

Our county maintenance crews are licensed and trained to handle the hazards of extreme weather conditions, out-of-control vehicles on slippery roads, abandoned vehicles, children playing near or in the road and steep terrain.

In 2020 we hope to employ private snow plows and drivers who have a contract with King County to assist during very large, countywide winter storms. These seasonal private snowplow drivers would augment county crews and work under the direction of King County snow and ice removal supervisors. As of January 2020, the County has not signed a contract with a private snow removal vendor.

Licensed drivers with approved snow-removal equipment who have a current and valid contract with King County to plow specific designated roads may be called in to assist during very large storms.

There are a very limited number of individuals in the region who are licensed and trained to drive snowplows on county roads under dangerous conditions. County and contracted crews who do this work are intimately familiar with county road conditions, hazards, and snow routes, and are experienced in driving graders or 10-yard trucks with plows, sanders, and attached ice treatment equipment.

Drivers should always use caution and expect slippery conditions when driving during winter weather.

Ice can form sooner on the decks of bridges and overpasses before it does on the roadway because air can circulate both above and below the surface of the elevated roadway, causing the pavement temperature to drop more rapidly. Ice can also form in shaded areas.

Black ice, also known as “glare ice” or “clear ice,”, is a thin coating of glazed ice on the road. Black ice is not actually black. Instead, it is transparent, allowing you to see the asphalt road surface through it. Black ice often occurs along with wet roads, making it hard to see and especially hazardous for driving or walking.

Yes, crews pre-treat county roads with anti-icer when the conditions are right. The surface must be dry and the pavement temperature must be between 20 and 30 degrees Fahrenheit for anti-icer to work. If the road is wet, the anti-icer substance would dilute too fast and fail to work. If the road is too cold, the anti-icer solution won’t stick to the roadway.

King County uses an anti-icer solution called “calcium chloride with boost.” The calcium chloride is salt; “boost” is a solution made of bio-solids such as egg whites and beet juice which helps reduce corrosion on infrastructure.

The calcium chloride (salt) adheres to the surface helping prevent ice from forming. Salt and water can cause rust on metal vehicles and equipment. Boost provides a chemical reaction that prevents rust from forming when the anti-icer solution comes into contact with vehicles and snow-removal gear.

No. Anti-icer is applied to bare, dry roads. De-icer is applied to roads that have compacted snow and ice on the surface. De-icing uses large amounts of chemicals. King County does not use de-icer on our roads.

County crews spread salt, sand or a mix of salt and sand over plowed and unplowed roadways to help make slick surfaces less slippery.

Dry salt is most effective after the snow has accumulated about an inch and the temperature is 20 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If the temperature is below 20 degrees, crews use a mixture of pre-wetted salt and sand to break up ice and increase traction. Pre-wetted salt and sand sticks to cold, icy surfaces better and jump-starts the ice melting process.