Snow Equipment Owning/Operating When is it best NOT to plow snow?

[jdgreg]

I've thought about this before, and given the current inclement weather, thought I'd see what the collective suggests. We're getting the bottom end of the storm going thru the NE, so that means we now have about 1" of frozen crunchy snow, and getting a little sleet now. Forecast is calling for mostly freezing rain and sleet. Our driveway is about 1000' paved, common driveway about 1500' chip-n-tar that is on an incline. Seems like it'd be best to leave the snowy base to provide a little cushion and traction. Thoughts?

 

[goaliedad]

I agree- if rain/sleet/junk is forecast I like a little snow on the driveway- makes for better driving and a lot easier to clean after the junk storm is over.

 

[BobG_in_VA]

I've thought about this before, and given the current inclement weather, thought I'd see what the collective suggests. We're getting the bottom end of the storm going thru the NE, so that means we now have about 1" of frozen crunchy snow, and getting a little sleet now. Forecast is calling for mostly freezing rain and sleet. Our driveway is about 1000' paved, common driveway about 1500' chip-n-tar that is on an incline. Seems like it'd be best to leave the snowy base to provide a little cushion and traction. Thoughts?

In Warrenton the best time not to plow snow is July.....(couldn't resist)
I'm right up the road from you. Based on the way things look, wait till its completly over, leaving the snow, etc under the ice that's forming so you won't have ice frozen directly on your paved driveway. It'll be much easier to remove...Hope we miss the worst of it...BobG in VA

 

[DK35vince]

If it were my driveway I would leave that little bit of snow on it if its calling for ice rain.
I my opinion you will have much better traction with ice on top of a thin layer of snow, you can break through it and get some traction. Removing all the snow then getting ice rain you end up with one big sheet of ice.

 

[ccsial]

If it were my driveway I would leave that little bit of snow on it if its calling for ice rain.
I my opinion you will have much better traction with ice on top of a thin layer of snow, you can break through it and get some traction. Removing all the snow then getting ice rain you end up with one big sheet of ice.

I agree. That's what I do on my blacktop.

 

[Thomas]

I wouldn't touch it until after storm....maybe have grit sand ready just in case....keep eye for warmer temps than light scraping.

 

[RalphVa]

I always wait until it's finished. Snow can keep the frozen rain and sleet off direct contact with the driveway.

We've just had rain and now some sleet and supposed to be freezing rain here in Charlottesville. Won't have any snow base, a little sleet. I don't have to go out until tomorrow afternoon but not a real necessity even then. Got a med appointment that can be rescheduled. Called them this morning about it. They said to call again tomorrow morning if I can't make it.

Let 7" of sleet fall about 3 winters ago. My Gravely plow wouldn't touch it. Had to put the ole square chute blower on. That thing dug in and slung it about 100' away. The Gravely stuff is all sold now except for the sulky. Figure my FEL will go down and take the sleet up now.

Ralph

 

[jdgreg]

Thanks for the confirmation guys, that's what I thought. Just kinda hard not to take the opportunity for seat time. Just glad we're not getting what they've gotten in NY. Hope everyone stays safe and warm.