Southeastern Idaho crews respond strongly to historically bad weather

The weather forecast for ITD’s southeastern Idaho area calls for unsettled weather and continued storm activity through Christmas. Based on the performance of the department’s area maintenance crews during the recent record-breaking storm, drivers will be in good hands.

On Monday (Dec. 14), a winter storm in the Pocatello/American Falls region left that area with snowfall levels not seen since 1963. The crews responded by posting a mobility score of 92 percent during the storm. The mobility score reflects the percentage of time snow falls on freezing pavement without creating ice, which ensures the safest driving conditions possible during winter storms.

“To maintain a high level of performance during record-breaking snowfall shows a high level of dedication and commitment by our crews,” said ITD District Engineer Ed Bala. “The crews are prepared to give that same level of service to whatever conditions we happen to encounter during the holidays.”

Crews prepare in part by getting detailed weather briefings in advance of any storm, and adjusting personnel and equipment schedules based on that data.


Published 12-18-15