Tag Archives: snow removal

SVCA Crew Responding to Snowy Conditions

As the snow continues to fall we will continue to plow and sand until it stops and the roads are as safe as we can make them. As of Saturday morning, it’s not recommended that any vehicles travel the roads in Sudden Valley or the roads to town unless they are equipped with Four-Wheel Drive, snow tires, or chains. It’s a big help to our crews to have the roads free of trash cans or other obstacles, please make sure your belongings are tucked away from the street if you are able to do so safely.

We are expecting another storm Sunday morning, so we will have crews monitoring and responding to snow and ice conditions around the clock for as long as needed. If you have any issues or if you have a snow incident that you would like to report, please use this form. In an emergency, you should always call 9-1-1. We will update the community as the need arises. Please stay safe and warm. 

2018-2019 Snow Removal Strategy

Each year we reach out to communicate with our members about Valley snow plowing and deicing activities. We also always address why we do, or do not, plow and sand every street.

Our snow plow staff follow a thorough well-designed plan that is focused on opening and sustaining access to the significant majority of residents, with the least risk: this is the Number 1 Goal.  This also includes providing access for emergency vehicles.  Our snow plow map can be located and viewed on our SVCA Web Page, under resident resources, bottom of page under Maps; 2019 Snow Maps or by clicking HERE.

The biggest hazard staff encounters is abandoned cars left on the road; they are a serious risk to everyone; when discovered, these must be towed. If you find yourself stuck on the road in your car, notify Security tell them where the car is, the type of vehicle, and give them your contact information.  If possible, leave a note at your car that is clearly visible and readable from the outside.  Imagine the weather problem, the number of calls Security gets; work with us. In an event of this type, Security dispatchers will become inundated with calls for help, in advance, we ask for your patience.

When we encountered more than 1 dozen cars abandoned on Sudden Valley drive last year, we instructed our tow company to tow cars to one of our lots rather then taking them to the tow companies impound lot. This is an option and courtesy we can employ when we know the owner’s name.  Without knowing they are a member; the car goes to the impound lot.

Security is the best way to communicate with staff during snow events, especially on weekends and after hours.  

What is our status today? The Association has shifted 2 of our 5 work vehicles into their winter snow plow configurations, fully outfitted them, and staged them for response. The balance will be converted over the next 3 weeks, or sooner if weather threatens.  Maintenance, Turf Care and Security are conducting their annual training and drills in preparation for that 0-early-30 phone call that will surely arrive.

The snow plow crews are comprised of Maintenance and Turf Care staff.  Snow plow shifts may start as early as 4:00 in the morning and can extend until 7:00 at night.  At the end of each shift, the vehicles receive maintenance, are refueled, re-loaded with supplies, and staged for rapid start in the morning.  Our re-loading crew is our pit crew; they are trained to safely and efficiently re-fit these vehicles, so they can get back on the road as quickly as possible.  

As we have for the past several years, the Association has purchased large bulk supplies of Ice melt available for purchase by members at the Admin Office during regular business hours. 

Security can be reached at 360-319-8200 – 24/7/365

Admin can be reached at 360-734-6430 Monday – Friday 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Abandoned Vehicles being Towed

As you are aware, conditions are very slick on Sudden Valley roads. There are already several cars in ditches, and cars that have been abandoned on roadways blocking traffic and snow removal equipment. If you find yourself in this position, please contact Security at 360-318-8000 so we can help you. We will tow your car to safety at your expense. However, if we cannot identify the owner of the abandoned vehicle, we are required to tow the vehicle to impound, which is a much higher expense for the owner. If you do not have to drive, please stay home.

SVCA Snow Response 11/3/17

Hello, folks!  We’ve had our first snow of the year and it’s gorgeous out in the Valley.
Staff from Maintenance, Turf Care and Safety, Security and Compliance were activated at 3 a.m., and by 11 a.m. had cleared an inch of snow and some 28 downed trees and limbs blocking roadways.

Thank you for not calling in about snow…it really helped keep our lines free to coordinate with members about road blockages – big help!  To learn about how we prioritize and direct our snow removal efforts, please click HERE.

For blocked roadways due to trees/limbs, we prioritize and direct our efforts situationally, but following this general rule of thumb:

  1. Complete blockage (no access)
  2. 2 Lanes Blocked
  3. 1 Lane Blocked

If you see a tree or limb blocking a road, please call Security (360) 319-8200 with the following information:

  • Where is it? (nearest address or cross street)
  • Blocking one lane or both?

We very much appreciate the extra sets of eyes and having some basic information saves us a lot of time, enabling us to respond more quickly and effectively for you.  Thank you for your help this morning – great job all ‘round!

Traffic Updates Due To Snow

What? Trees are down on and/or across multiple roadways, preventing normal traffic flow.

Where? Area of 34 Rocky Ridge, Sudden Valley Drive between North Summit and Holly View Way, Holly View Way and North end of Harbor View (unpassable), 22 Canyon Ct.

SVCA Maintenance crews are working hard to remove obstructions to resume normal traffic flow.  Please plan ahead to use alternate routes where necessary.  Please pay close attention to workers on our roads and use caution going around any work crews.  Snow response was activated at approximately 3am and removal efforts began at approximately 4 a.m.  Thank you for your patience as our crews work to clear our roads by following their assigned snow removal routes.  Please call Security at (360) 319-8200 to notify us of downed trees which are blocking the road.  Snow removal efforts are by assigned routes and we will clear main roads first.  Please do not call in to notify us of snow on roads as this will cause delay in our response to callers informing us about actual road blockages.  More information will be posted, including snow response route maps, later today.

Of Note:  Most lower areas are clear of snow as of 6am.  Elevations are experiencing approximately one inch since snowfall began a little before 11pm last night.  We will continue to post as we get updates of impassable areas.  Again, thank you for your patience as we work to clear the roads.