Tuolumne County’s snow-removal policy

With so much wind-blown snow piling up, and the potential for lower snow levels, the Tuolumne County Public Works Department on Monday was trying to remind people who live above the snowline about basic snow removal policies and procedures.

• Snow removal on county roads is costly. Snow removal services are provided by county staff — both permanent and temporary employees. County snow removal services are restricted to county-maintained roads.

• Parking restrictions on county rights-of-way during snow removal season are strictly enforced. Your car will be towed. The county will not be responsible for damage caused by snow removal operations of vehicles left in county rights-of-way.

• No snow removal services are performed by county workers on county service area roads or private roads.

• Residents on county service area roads are provided services by a private contractor to the county.

• Private road residents are expected to provide snow removal on their roads.

• Caltrans does snow removal on state highways, including Highways 108 and 120, as well as 49 when necessary.

• The county’s Public Works offices are open 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and can be reached by phone at (209) 5335601. In the event of emergencies outside business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, residents are advised to call the county Sheriff’s Office at (209) 533-5815 or 911. The Sheriff’s Office will dispatch county roads workers in the area.

• County personnel can adequately handle most snowstorms above 4,000 feet elevation, provided that downed trees and flooding are not problems at lower elevations. With lower snow levels and/or other variables, snow removal service can be less than adequate.