Ice Storm Response

What This Service Involves

Ice storms are one of the most damaging winter events across the Puget Sound lowlands, coating driveways, walks, and lots in a slick glaze that ordinary plowing cannot touch. Our response crews lead with liquid and granular deicers formulated to break the bond between ice and pavement rather than simply pushing frozen material around. We prioritize the surfaces where slips and falls happen first, then work outward to restore full access as the glaze releases. Because Cascade foothill and Olympic rain-shadow storms often arrive with downed limbs, we coordinate clearing so treated paths stay usable through the event.

Benefits

Fast dispatch during active glazing conditions when traction disappears; Deicer chemistry chosen to break the ice-to-pavement bond instead of scraping over it; Priority treatment of high-traffic entrances to cut fall risk; Coordination with limb and debris clearing common to regional ice events

Our Process

1) Monitor National Weather Service ice-accretion forecasts and stage crews before onset; 2) Apply anti-icing brine to key surfaces ahead of the freeze line; 3) Treat and break the active glaze with granular deicer once accretion begins; 4) Return for follow-up passes until pavement is fully released and safe

What Affects the Cost

Total square footage of glazed surfaces requiring treatment; Ice thickness and how tightly it has bonded to the pavement; Number of return visits needed as accretion continues; Deicer type selected for the temperature range; Site access and any storm debris blocking treatment routes

Best Time of Year

Ice storm response is most in demand from late November through February when Fraser outflow winds meet incoming Pacific moisture over the lowlands.