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1. Can you tell me exactly when my street will be plowed?

As weather conditions change we often must alter our snow-fighting strategy in the midst of the snow removal operations in order to control drifting snow, ice or other special problems. We cannot give you an estimate of when your street will be cleared due to ever-changing weather conditions.

2. Why is snow pushed in front of my driveway and/or on my sidewalk? Will you come and clear it?

We understand that clearing snow berms is inconvenient and frustrating, but it is unfortunately a byproduct of snow plowing. Snow plows are designed to push snow to the side.  It is inevitable for snow to be deposited at the end of driveways and on sidewalks during plowing.  To minimize the impact, we recommend piling the snow to the right side of your driveway when facing the street.  The plows make four to six passes down a street to clear it curb to curb which may deposit additional snow after you have shoveled.  Our drivers plow at low speeds to minimize these issues, but this is an inevitable side effect of plowing which can be exacerbated by higher snowfall amounts and light fluffy snow. 

We are sorry that this occasionally happens, but in making as many roads passable to the community as a whole and as quickly as possible, there is no way to avoid it. It is the property owner or occupant’s responsibility to clear the berms from their driveway.

3. What if I am unable to clear the snow from my sidewalk or driveway because of age or disability?

Unfortunately, snow removal services are not available from the City. The City encourages residents to reach out to a family member, friend, neighbor, or a local organization that may be able to help. 

4. Why do City plow trucks push snow into my driveway after I clean it?

When plowing, the snow may end up on the driveway you just shoveled. We apologize for the inconvenience this causes you.  If your schedule permits, you may want to wait and clear your driveway after City plows have passed through your street. If it is a significant snowfall, the snowplows will probably be back.

Streets are typically opened with one pass through, so that streets can be made passable for drivers as soon as practical. Snowplows may return to open the street curb-to-curb. This is done to clear areas for on-street parking, where it is permitted, and to allow melting snow to drain into catch basins. We regret that you may find some of this snow on your recently shoveled driveway and you have to shovel it again.

5. How can I minimize the snow that gets plowed in my driveway?

If your driveway is cleared before the street is completed, clear the area to the right of the driveway if you are facing the house, (the oncoming side).  When the plow comes by the snow will dump in this clear area instead of your driveway approach.  The more snow you clear from this area, the less will be deposited at your driveway entrance.

6. Does the City allow snow to be plowed or shoveled into the street?

Residents, businesses, homeowner associations or their snow plowing service are not allowed to plow or shovel snow from their private property, parking areas, driveways or sidewalks into the street. Placing snow in a public street, is a violation of City Code 24-18. Piling or plowing snow into the street creates unsafe situations for drivers, extends the time that snow and ice will remain on the street and adds to the drainage and re-freezing problems in shaded areas.

7. Why doesn't the City plow alleys?

Alleys are secondary public right-of-ways that are not maintained the same as streets but provide rear driveway access to properties and a corridor for other public utilities and services, such as garbage.  The Solid Waste Division, when time allows, will plow the alleys in order for their equipment to service the garbage containers. 

8. Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks and bikepaths?

It is the property owner’s responsibility to keep the sidewalks adjacent to their property clear of snow and ice per Kalispell Municipal Code 24-17. This City Code applies to all businesses and residents within city limits. Prompt removal of snow and ice keep the sidewalks safe and accessible for pedestrian passage. 

The responsibility to keep bike paths clear of snow is addressed in Kalispell Municipal Code 28-03-16 “Sidewalks or bike paths, in instances where a bike path takes the place of a sidewalk along the adjacent street, shall be kept clear of snow, debris, bushes, etc., by the adjacent property owner or by an owners association if one is created for that purpose.” 

9. Who should clear fire hydrants of snow?

The residents occupying property near a hydrant are asked to clear snow from the fire hydrants. Consider helping elderly friends, neighbors, or those with medical conditions to keep their fire hydrants clear.

10. The Post Office has told me they will not deliver mail because of the snow in front of the mailboxes. What will the City do?

The sidewalks in front of cluster mailboxes are the responsibility of either the homeowners associations or the property owners adjacent to the boxes. The clearing of sidewalks around mailboxes at individual resident properties is the responsibility of the property owner.

11. Who do I contact if a City snow plow damages my lawn?

If a City snow plow causes lawn damage, please contact the City of Kalispell's Public Works Department at 406-758-7720 on normal business days between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. You will be placed on a list for spring cleanup once all the snow is melted.