City warns Havre residents to be ready for snow and snow removal

Havre Public Works has told residents that, with the amount of snow expected this weekend, Havre city crews will be working to plow and remove snow around the city and they need the help of residents.

“Please try to have your car off the emergency snow routes during the time of plowing,” a release from Havre Public Works said.

“Cars will get plowed in.”

People can find the map of the emergency snow routes online at http://www.ci.havre.mt.us .

A winter storm watch is in effect from Saturday morning for much of the western half of the state including this part of north-central Montana and from Saturday afternoon to the east through Sunday night.

For the region including Blaine, Chouteau, Hill and Liberty counties, the warning says blizzard conditions are possible. Total accumulation of 10 inches to 18 inches is possible with up to 24 inches in north-facing slopes.

High winds, with gusts as high as 45 mph, also are expected.

Saturday, highs are expected to be in the 40s with lows dropping to the teens and highs Sunday in the 20s with lows in the single digits.

The Public Works release for Havre said effective snow removal and plowing on city streets have to be a cooperative effort.

The city depends on people to remove the plowed berms in front of driveways, mailboxes and cars, the release said. Residents also need to place their shoveled and plowed snow on their property and not in the streets.

“These cooperative efforts serve the public to keep the streets safe for travel by motorists, and pedestrians,” it said.

“The City of Havre recognizes that blocking driveways and plowing berms around parked cars are burdens for residents,” the release continued. “City crews prioritize their efforts on the priority street system according to the City Snow and Ice Control Plan. The city does not have the personnel to remove berms in front of vehicles and driveways.

“The City of Havre respectfully asks all homeowners and contractors for their help,” the release said.

The release also cites Ordinance 97, 8-5-1910 in Havre Municipal Code: Removal of Ice and Snow, as the source of the obligation.

The release also said it shall be the duty of the owner of any premises within the limits of the city to keep the sidewalk in front of or adjoining the premises clean and safe for pedestrians and, with all possible dispatch, to remove snow, ice and slush and other impediments to safe and convenient foot travel and to prevent the continuance or accumulation of the same upon such sidewalk.

“In no case in the business district of the city shall the snow, ice and slush or other such material removed from such sidewalk be dumped, placed or deposited in the adjoining streets or avenues within two feet of the curb line,” the release said. “Sidewalks, in all cases, must be freed of the night’s accumulation of snow, ice, slush, mud or other like impediments within twenty-four hours of such accumulation.”

People with questions were invited to call Public Works Department at 265-4941.