Winter Preparedness
The City of Reno provides safe roadway access in an environmentally sound manner during winter months. Become familiar with the Public Works Snow and Ice Control Plan so you are aware of the procedures the City will take to keep the roads safe during adverse winter conditions (does not include roads maintained by Nevada Department of Transportation, Washoe County and the City of Sparks).
The City's street system contains approximately 2,361 lane miles. It is divided into twenty snow and ice removal routes. The City's snow and ice-control material is primarily a mixture of salt and sand along with salt brine which is used as a pre-treatment for grades and bridges to assist in keeping these areas open.
Download Winter Preparedness Guide (8mb)
For Statewide Road Conditions visit NV Roads
To view routes that are not maintained by the City of Reno: Washoe County has a wonderful resource called Quick Map. Read and close the Disclaimer page and then search for your area.
Some additional helpful links include:
Please contact Reno Direct at 334-INFO with any questions, comments and concerns.
Vídeos sobre hielo y nieve en español
- Remoción de nieve en español
- Precaución sobre hielo en español
- Remoción de nívea en las aceras en español
Salt Brine
As of the 2024-25 winter season, the City of Reno is using a brining method to treat streets for snow and ice. Prior to a snow or ice event, City crews apply salt brine to the Priority 1 streets, bridges and inclines. The brine consists of a clear solution of tap water and sodium chloride (road salt), mixed in concentrations of 23.3 percent salt, and has a freezing point of -6º F. Salt brine is applied to the roadway to prevent snow from bonding to the streets, making it easier and safer to plow. Brine is up to 20 times more effective than salt and sand and is labor efficient since it is applied during normal operating hours prior to the arrival of the storm.
Priority Snow Plow Routes
Plowing operations typically begin when there is noticeable snow accumulation on streets. Snow plows may hit main street intersections before snow accumulation to address icy conditions with a sand and salt mixture. Most of the plowing occurs in the higher elevation routes and outlying areas due to the fact that these areas receive the most snow accumulation.
In what order will streets be plowed?
The City of Reno street system contains approximately 2,361 lane miles and is divided into twenty routes. Priority is given to arterial and collector streets along with school zones. Secondary streets are plowed after Priority streets as resources become available.
Priority 1 and 2 streets include major streets, collector streets, areas around schools, and emergency service sites (police stations, fire stations and hospitals). Examples of Priority 1 streets include portions of Virginia Street, Longley Lane and Stead Boulevard. Examples of Priority 2 streets include Center Street, Evans Avenue and Hunter Lake Drive.
See our current list of priority streets by route or view the route maps below.
View map in a separate web page
Interactive Snow Plow Coverage Map
Want to know when your street was plowed? Search for an address in the search box. Then select the date and select the desired date range.
Culs-de-sac and HOA Properties
The City of Reno is implementing a Cul de Sac plowing program beginning this year with four pieces of equipment. This effort will take time, so please be patient until we reach your street. Please remove garbage cans and basketball hoops from the street prior to any forecasted storms, as well as parking vehicles off the street whenever possible.
We ask that elderly or citizens with a disability check with your neighbor, if possible, for help shoveling your driveway or sidewalk. The city is limited on staffing, and the street's staff will be operating the plow trucks during storm events.
Private streets and Cul de sacs that are located on or off of main private streets are the responsibility of the HOA.
Check the plow map above to see if your street is listed.