Unusual winter in Sioux Falls

Sioux Falls, SD (KELO-AM) The winter of 2013-2014 has created an unusually large number of snow events in Sioux Falls.

According to the National Weather Service, Sioux Falls experienced 70 snow events from November 1, 2013, through March 11, 2014. Less than 1 inch of snow fell during 60 of those events, but every snow event requires attention from the Public Works Street Division.

“One of the questions we have been asked is, ‘Why does it seem like we have used a lot of deicing salt and chemicals this year?’” says Galynn Huber, Street and Fleet Operations Manager. “Even very small snow events trigger using deicing chemicals for safe travel, and we have had 70 of them this year.”

Only three snow alerts were declared by the City so far this winter season, but the City has used 21,981 tons of salt and deicing chemicals to melt accumulations from streets.

Now the Public Works Street Division is focusing on patching potholes and asks residents to report potholes in need of attention. To report a pothole, please call the Pothole Hotline at 367-8002.