2013 April Blizzard

April 2013 Blizzard

Burleigh County Offices Closed, Meetings Cancelled, Snow Emergency Declared

April 15: Burleigh County Offices are closed today, April 15th, due to weather conditions. Emergency services will continue to operate.

The Burleigh County Commission Meeting and the Burleigh County Planning Commission Special Meeting have been cancelled.

Chairman Jerry Woodcox has also issued a Snow Emergency.

Burleigh County Snow Removal Operations April 15, 2013: The Burleigh County Highway Department began work early Monday morning removing snow deposited by this weekend's record-setting blizzard from the nearly 1500 miles of county and township roads in Burleigh County. Crews had been dispatched Sunday morning, but were pulled from the roadway system about 2:00 Sunday afternoon due to severely restricted visibility.

Residents should be advised that given the scope of the storm it may take several days to completely clear roadways in more rural areas of the county. Highway Department operators will continue to assist law enforcement and other emergency service agencies in responding to emergency situations.

Motorists are reminded to drive with great caution and should be prepared for snow packed and slippery roadways. Continued blowing and drifting snow will also continue to compromise travel conditions for the next several days.

Residents are again reminded that it is unlawful to push snow onto or across public roadways. Piles of snow left on or near the roadway can freeze solid, creating a hazardous situation for snowplows and other vehicles. Collisions and damages caused by snow placed in the roadway may result in liability to the property owner. Piled snow also contributes to drifting problems.

For further information on snow removal activity, contact the Burleigh County Highway Department at www.burleighco.com or by calling (701) 221-6870.


April 14, 2013: Burleigh County plows have been out since early this morning with the main focus on primary routes. If visibility becomes too restricted, the plows will be pulled off until they can safely resume operations.

Plows will be out again at 6:00 tomorrow morning.

Fire Hydrants If you have one near your home, don't forget to shovel it out!

Snow Shoveling
While shoveling snow can be good exercise, it can also be dangerous for optimistic shovelers who take on more than they can handle. The National Safety Council offers the following tips to help you get a handle on safe shoveling:

• Individuals over the age of 40, or those who are relatively inactive, should be especially careful.
• If you have a history of heart trouble, do not shovel without a doctor's permission.
• Do not shovel after eating or while smoking.
• Take it slow! Shoveling (like lifting weights) can raise your heart rate and blood pressure dramatically; so pace yourself. Be sure to stretch out and warm up before taking on the task.
• Shovel only fresh snow. Freshly fallen, powdery snow is easier to shovel than the wet, packed-down variety.
• Push the snow as you shovel. It's easier on your back than lifting the snow out of the way.
• Don't pick up too much at once. Use a small shovel, or fill only one-fourth or one-half of a large one.
• Lift with your legs bent, not your back. Keep your back straight. By bending and "sitting" into the movement, you'll keep your spine upright and less stressed. Your shoulders, torso and thighs can do the work for you.
• Do not work to the point of exhaustion. If you run out of breath, take a break. If you feel tightness in your chest, stop immediately.
• Dress warmly. Remember that extremities, such as the nose, ears, hands and feet, need extra attention during winter's cold. Wear a turtleneck ssweater, cap, scarf, face protection, mittens, wool socks and waterproof boots.

Source: National Safety Council

Travel Tips: Check the ND Department of Transportation Travel Information Map. Let someone know your destination, your route, and when you expect to arrive. If your vehicle gets stuck along the way, help can be sent along your predetermined route. During winter, keep the gas tank near full to help avoid ice in the tank and fuel lines.

Road Condition Terminology:

Travel Alert: Motorists can still travel but may encounter areas of challenging winter weather driving conditions on roadways. Motorists should allow extra time to reach their destination and be alert to conditions that may make travel difficult, change rapidly, or cause travel delays. A TRAVEL ALERT has the potential to change to a NO TRAVEL ADVISED if conditions deteriorate.

No Travel Advised: Motorists should not travel due to hazardous conditions which may make it unsafe to travel. Snow plows may be pulled from the roads during severe conditions. Motorists should take NO TRAVEL ADVISED seriously as those motorists who choose to travel at their own risk may become stranded and emergency responders may not be able to reach them safely. A NO TRAVEL ADVISED has the potential to change to a ROAD CLOSED OR BLOCKED if conditions deteriorate.

Road Closed: Motorists are not allowed to travel on a closed road due to life threatening conditions. The road may be impassible or blocked. Motorists who drive past a road closure device may be fined up to $250.