Minnesota State University Moorhead

Snow Removal Policy

When it snows, snow fighters concentrate on keeping the major walks, fire lanes, and handicap parking passable. These roads and walks are cleared down to bare pavement as soon as possible, after and during the snow fall.
Snow removal generally begins as soon as the snow starts to accumulate. However, when the snow depth is one to two inches and the afternoon sun is melting it, the Physical Plant will sweep it off.
Even after plowing, snow that has been hard packed by traffic often remains on the street and walks, when the Physical Plant plows are unable to remove it completely. In this situation, a mixture of sand and de-icer is spread to provide adequate traction.
After the snow stops falling and after the major walks and roads are cleared, crews concentrate on clearing snow from all remaining areas and sanding as needed.

0-3" . . . brooms, pickup with plow and skid steer loaders
3-8" . . . pay loader, skid steer loaders, pickups with plows
8-12" . . . skid steer loaders, pay loader, pickups with plows (A private contractor will also be called in to help with the snow removal process.)
12+" . . . all equipment listed & private contractors called in as needed
Please be patient! Streets and walks are plowed according to their priority and reviewed at the end of each season.
MSUM has 15 miles of sidewalks and thirty-five acres of parking lots (38 parking lots).

The Physical Plant’s emergency telephone number is 477-2400, Monday through Friday or call Security at 477-2449.
The City of Moorhead plows all the streets around the university.
The Physical Plant will use all people possible to operate equipment, and will work consecutive twelve-hour shifts as needed until all snow has been cleared.
Call the Police and Fire Department at 911 in life-threatening emergencies and for Fire and Rescue services only.
The Police and Fire Departments will contact the City of Moorhead Street Department if an emergency vehicle needs assistance to maneuver on a snow or ice-covered street.

All of our snow removal equipment have amber warning flashers and backup alarms.
At times it can be extremely difficult for the operators to see pedestrians while operating equipment, so please allow as much space as possible between you and the equipment.
All of our equipment operators are annually trained in safety operations of equipment; however, please try to allow as much space as possible between you and the equipment.
The more room you give us to work, the quicker we can have the snow and ice removed for your convenience.
A road and sidewalk that has been sanded is safer than one not sanded, so please allow the truck to finish its sanding.
Please do not pull out or walk in front of trucks or any other equipment.
Always try to stay out of the way of workers, allowing at least fifty feet between you and the equipment.
Please notify us of problem areas by calling 477-2400.

Please respect the snow removal crew and drive slowly. Thank You.
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