Regina sees more snow than normal, crews prepare for another dump

Regina road crews have been busy this winter, and some more snow appears to be on the way.

Tyler Bien, the City of Regina’s manager of roadways seasonal operations, said this winter period has seen about 70 centimetres — 27.5 inches — of snow since Nov. 1. The average winter sees about 60 centimetres of snow.

“We’ve experienced more wind events as well, so (it’s) blowing snow — not only accumulations,” Bien said. “We’re a little bit above average.

“Coupled with the wind events, some of those perimeter areas or areas that have open parks or things like that, they have been experiencing a little bit more snow in those locations.

“The drifting is always worse around those locations so crews are dispatched during those snow events.”

Bien said that since Nov. 1, the city has spent about $8.1 million — more than was spent in previous years.

He said crews are preparing for another snow event in Regina on Thursday night and into Friday morning.

“A snowstorm is predicted to hit Saskatchewan with up to 10 centimetres of snow accumulating in Regina. The city and its contracted support are ready to respond with about 50 pieces of equipment to keep residents and traffic moving (safely) throughout the city,” Bien said.

“During a snow event, the crews focus on keeping the major roads driveable by applying ice control and performing plowing needs and that cycle continues throughout the storm until its completion.”