Roy Utility Access Clearing
We clear snow from utility panels, meters, shutoffs, and vaults so crews can reach critical systems in any Western Washington storm.
Utility access clearing in Roy means opening a path to the things that must stay reachable in winter: meters, hydrants, transformer pads, well houses, propane tanks and cleanouts. Washington Snow Removal clears those points by hand or with a compact track loader, and we are licensed, bonded and insured.
Roy gets 6.2 in of snow in an average season and 1.8 days a year with 1 in or more. Snow is rare here, but 73% of winters have at least one 1-inch day. When it comes, crews and meter readers need a clear route. Call 206-809-9669 to set up a dispatch.
Why Roy walkways freeze
Average snowfall by month in Roy
Biggest storms in Roy since 2005
- Jan 15–19, 2012: 12.9 in total, 8.3 in on the biggest day
- Feb 9, 2019: 7.4 in total, 7.4 in on the biggest day
- Nov 22–23, 2010: 7.3 in total, 5.8 in on the biggest day
Sources: NOAA and National Weather Service records for Roy, 2005–2026.
Utility Access Clearing in Roy: What the Work Involves
Most utility access jobs in Roy are small in area but need care. We shovel by hand around meters, hydrants and pads so nothing gets struck. Where a long driveway or service lane is buried, we can bring in a Kubota SCL1000 compact track loader with an operator.
Roy sees only 4 days a year with snow on the ground, so snow usually melts fast. The bigger problem is ice. The area has 42 freezing nights from October to April, and melt from a thin snowfall can refreeze around access points overnight. We spread bagged ice melt where footing is a concern.
Big storms do happen. Jan 15-19, 2012 brought 12.9 in, with 8.3 in on the biggest day. Feb 9, 2019 brought 7.4 in in one day. Nov 22-23, 2010 brought 7.3 in. Storms of that size can bury low equipment completely.
What you pay for:
- Crew member for hand work: $110 per person-hour
- Compact track loader with operator: $175 per hour
- Bagged ice melt: $45 per 50 lb bag
- Trip charge for Roy (zone D): $525 per dispatch
There is a 2-hour minimum per dispatch. Roy is 104 minutes from our Bothell yard, which is why the trip charge applies.
Prices in Roy
Billed by the hour for the crew and equipment on site, plus materials.
| Crew member (shoveling, sidewalks, hand work) | $110 / person-hour |
| Compact track loader with operator (Kubota SCL1000) | $175 / hour |
| Ice melt, bagged | $45 / 50 lb bag |
| Trip charge for Roy (zone D) | $525 / dispatch |
- 2-hour minimum per dispatch.
- Roy is 104 minutes from our Bothell yard.
Prices approved Oct 2026.
Service Area
Roy
Benefits
Keeps emergency shutoffs reachable in a crisis; Exposes meters for accurate winter reads; Prevents frozen lids from trapping utility vaults; Maintains code-required clearance at electrical panels; Speeds response for utility and repair crews
