With Environment Canada forecasting warmer temperatures in Calgary for the next week, The City is taking steps to prepare for melting ice and snow and want Calgarians to be prepared too.
Although the forecast doesn’t suggest a rapid melt, temperatures can rise quickly. As ice melts during the day and refreezes at night, we could start to see a build-up of ice on storm drains. In preparation, City crews have already started inspecting and thawing out storm drains focusing on major roads that have experienced frozen storm drains in the past. Crews are using specialized boiler equipment that pushes out steam to get the storm drain thawed and running again.
As always, if you see heavy melting in your area, you can help send this water down the storm drain by doing the following things:
Clear storm drains around your property
When it’s safe and possible to do, clear storm drains around your property of ice, snow and debris, like leaves and sticks, and help create a channel for melting snow to make its way into the storm drain. Check out our map on calgary.ca/StormDrains to find out storm drain locations.
Contact 311 if water is pooling
If the storm drain is covered with a thick layer of ice or if water is pooling on the street, take a photo and submit a Storm Drain Concern through the 311 web or mobile app.
The 311 web or mobile app is the fastest way for citizens to report their request. Also, attaching a photo to the 311 request goes a long way in helping our crews respond on a priority basis, attending first to problems impacting public safety and where excess water may cause property damage.
Drive with care
Drivers are also reminded that slushy road conditions require the same attention as winter driving.
- Accumulated water can mask hazards in the road such as potholes or debris; drive slowly to avoid potential damage to your vehicle.
- Drive slowly to avoid creating spray that could cause injury or impede vision of pedestrians, cyclists or other vehicles.
For other tips on protecting your property from snow melt visit calgary.ca/StormDrains
