Tag Archives: snow response

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. 

SITREP 001 – INCLEMENT WEATHER RESPONSE March 6th, 2019 (CURRENT OPERATIONS)

SITREP 001 –  INCLEMENT WEATHER RESPONSE March 6th, 2019 (CURRENT OPERATIONS)

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a. Weather conditions have transitioned to snow on all Sudden Valley Roads

b. Sudden Valley roads are starting to have snow accumulations. Currently we are having traction issues on the roads, particularly two wheel drive vehicles are having traction issues.

c. Sudden Valley Maintenance sand/deicer crews are deployed and working to deploy sand/deicer on current trouble spots and will be primarily working the main roads.

d. Drivers should use extreme caution due to the conditions, travel with two wheel drive vehicles is not advised, traveling should be done in all wheel drive vehicles, with traction devices or tires.

e. Bellingham School District buses are now on snow routes.

f. Traffic control has been placed in intersections where vehicles are not able to transit

Amplifying Information
a. Updates on SV roads will be posted as conditions change. Updates to be posted available either on 1610 BECoN emergency information system, Sudden Valley web page (www.suddenvalley.com), or contact Sudden Valley Security.

b. Security patrol to monitor road conditions

c. Current weather conditions: light snow forecasted till 03/07/19 approx. 6 AM., current temp 33 degrees winds calm.

Response – Current Operational Period

a. Response assets: deployed

Response – Next Operational Period

a. Response operations to commence: to be determined

b. Security patrol: monitor conditions through the evening

Response and Logistics Update

a. Fuel status; 95%

b. Sand/Deicer: fully stocked for 72 hour snow event

c. SVCA facilities (Rec Center/Gym): to be determined

External Notifications 

a. SWFA; notified

b. Bellingham School District Transportation; currently on snow routes will be kept updated on road conditions.

c. Sudden Valley Amateur Radio (updates on 1610AM BeCon Emergency Info system): notified

d. Community Outlet (SVCA web page): posting to be determined after road conditions are evaluated

This report to be updated by 03/07/19 by 6 AM or as needed

This our current status for further information please contact norm@suddenvalley.

Bellingham School District Buses: Snow Routes

Bellingham School District buses will be running Snow routes this afternoon. They will have their maintenance trucks pre-staged at Sudden Valley to assist only if needed.

SVCA Sander and De-icer trucks are ready to be deployed.

This message was authorized by the Director of Transportation for Bellingham School District Transportation

Snow in the Forecast

Three of the weather services that SVCA uses for Maintenance planning are calling for snow this Sunday, and night temperatures at 20F, with the same for Tuesday. Weather conditions later in the week are predicted to warm during the day and freeze at night creating potentially dangerous icy roads conditions.

Maintenance will be deicing roads beginning on Friday down the blue road sections on the Snow Removal Map which can be found HERE.

Please remember that you can purchase Ice Melt at wholesale in the Golf Shop 7 days per week. Please use extreme caution when navigating Winter roads.

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

Sudden Valley Snow Posture for 2/23 – 2/26

The following is the Inclement Weather Plan for Sudden Valley Community Association for 02/23 to 02/26

Current Situation

Current National Weather Service forecast shows snow possible through the weekend with possible accumulations from 1 to 5 inches based on forecast models.

Operations Plan During Forecasted Snow

Crews will respond to forecasted weather and plow/deice SV main roads for the duration of the snow event. Crews will not plow/sand or deice past 7 PM to ensure crew safety, and to  ensure crew availability for further response in the morning, if required.

Bellingham School District will receive an updated road report no later than 3 AM 02/23/18 to allow planning for Friday school busing pickups.

Road Conditions (currently)

Currently the roads are bare, with some icy spots. Those areas are being mitigated. The Maintenance staff will be applying liquid deicer to all Sudden Valley main roads. Sudden Valley Security will monitor the road conditions through the event and report any safety/hazard conditions.

Logistics Section


Equipment

Sudden Valley has the following response equipment available

(4) Plows, Sanders and deicer capable vehicles

(1) Plow and Sander

Crew Availability

All maintenance/turf care crews are available for call in if needed.

Operations/Communication (external)

Emergency Information System (1610 AM) is non-operational. Pacific Security Dispatch has been notified to let residents who call in on road conditions to be referred to the Sudden Valley Community Association web site www.suddenvalley.com for updates.

Amplifying Information

All equipment for downed trees is operational and ready to deploy.

A follow up report will be sent for the next operational period (approx. 08:30 AM on 02/23/2018)

Sudden Valley Inclement Weather Posture

The following is the Situation Report (SITREP) for Sudden Valley Community Association as of 15:00 local on 02/21/2018

Current Situation

Current weather shows snow in the forecast from less than an inch to up to 3 inches. With the wide range in the forecast, Sudden Valley has taken the following measures;

Road Conditions

Currently the roads are bare. Icy spots that were reported earlier today have been mitigated. The maintenance staff has applied liquid deicer to all Sudden Valley main roads. Sudden Valley Security will monitor the road conditions through the evening and report any safety/hazard conditions.

Logistics Section

Equipment

Sudden Valley has the following response equipment available

(4) Plows, Sanders and deicer capable vehicles

(1) Plow and Sander

Response Supplies

Granular deicer – 5 pallets

Liquide deicer – 1,750 gallons of liquid deicer

Crew Availability

All maintenance/turf care crews are available for call in if needed

Operations/Communication (external)

Emergency Information System (1610 AM) is non-operational. Pacific Security Dispatch has been notified to let residents who call in on road conditions to be referred to the Sudden Valley Community Association web site www.suddenvalley.com for updates

Amplifying Information

All equipment for downed trees is operational and ready to deploy

A follow up report will be sent for the next operational period (approx. 08:30 AM on 02/22/2018)

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!