Citywide snow removal occurs with two or more inches of snow accumulation.
Bare pavement is not the goal of city snow removal efforts. Roads are cleared and then treated to promote melting of any remaining snow.
- Citywide street snow removal operations typically begin between 2-4 a.m. with two or more inches of snow accumulation, but the exact time depends on the predicted start and end of the snowfall and its intensity.
- In an average snowfall, Minnetonka’s goal is to clear streets and cul-de-sacs within nine hours. Snowplows typically do not operate during rush hour.
Plows are also dispatched for lighter snowfalls to ensure the main roads are free of snow and ice.
During the winter, city staff check streets for frost and light snow at 5 a.m., five days-a-week, and treat needed areas to increase traction and promote melting.
Snow removal on city streets is a four-step process during heavy snowfalls.
- Step 1 – Main roads are plowed curb-to-curb.
- Step 2 – Drivers move to residential neighborhoods. The first pass provides an initial access path down streets and cul-de-sacs.
- Step 3 – Full-width plowing takes place, typically a few hours after the first pass.
- Step 4 – Final cleanup occurs the following day and includes intersection cleanup, plowing where vehicles were parked and application of additional chemicals as needed to improve melting and traction.
Our snow removal fleet includes approximately 30 vehicles, including plow trucks, loaders, motor graders, pickup trucks and more.
Cul-de-sacs
Minnetonka has more than 580 cul-de-sacs, and snow removal in cul-de-sacs is challenging. Plow drivers try to plow snow away from driveways and deposit it in open areas of the cul-de-sac.
Parking lots, sidewalks, trails and ice rinks
Snow removal on sidewalks and trails takes approximately three days. Operations typically begin at 5 a.m. and focus on three priority areas throughout the city.
Snow removal on ice rinks typically occurs the second day after a snowfall of two inches or more.
Mailboxes
We will attempt to push snow as close to the curb as possible to provide access to mailboxes. If snow extends more than three feet into the street in front of your mailbox, call 952-988-8400 and we’ll return to clear it.
Final snow cleanup around mailboxes is the responsibility of the property owner.
