(Washington, DC) – Today, members of the District’s Snow Team wrapped up a week-long snow mobilization exercise. Since Monday, crews have been testing and calibrating equipment, completing final maintenance and repairs, and restocking salt, brine, and other supplies. Operators refreshed their plow routes, and IT staff fine-tuned the technology that tracks and deploys resources during storms.
“This week is not only an opportunity for our Snow Team to prepare and anticipate challenges, it’s also a reminder to residents and businesses to start planning ahead,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser. “We want the community thinking ahead about what supplies they’ll need for the winter, registering for the Volunteer Snow Team, and saving the Shelter Hotline number in their phones. Those are three ways residents can get ready for winter right now.”
The simulation began with a Snow Team conference call that used a mock weather scenario provided by the National Weather Service. Each day, the team adjusted strategies according to updated forecasts. On Friday, plow drivers navigated their routes to identify potential obstacles they could face during an actual storm.
The DC Snow Team, led by the Department of Public Works (DPW) with strong support from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), includes more than 800 employees and more than 200 heavy and light plows. Several other District agencies also play key roles during snow events, including the Department of General Services (DGS), the Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), and the Mayor’s Office on Volunteerism and Partnerships (Serve DC).
“A successful snow season doesn’t happen by chance—it’s the result of year-round preparation,” said DPW Interim Director Anthony Crispino. “Last winter tested us with unprecedented back-to-back storms alongside a number of historic, ceremonial events. Advance training and test runs help our crews anticipate and navigate challenges so we’re ready regardless of what the season brings us.”
DPW, which manages and maintains most of the District’s snow fleet, continues to prioritize sustainability. The fleet includes 69 biodiesel trucks and 22 electric pickups for supervisors as part of DPW’s commitment to using cleaner, more efficient equipment. That focus helped the agency earn recognition earlier this year in the North American Fleet Management Association’s annual list of the 100 Best Fleets.
District residents are reminded that they are required to remove snow and ice from the paved sidewalks, curb ramps and curb cuts abutting their property after a snowstorm. Residents 65 and older or with functionality needs may visit shovelexemption.dpw.dc.gov to sign up for a sidewalk shoveling exemption by November 30, 2025. Residents are also encouraged to join Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team, which helps clear sidewalks for registered seniors (65+) and residents with access or mobility needs. Volunteers can sign up here.
In preparation for winter, residents are reminded they can call the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 to request free, accessible transportation to a shelter for themselves or someone else, including individuals experiencing homelessness.
For more information about DC’s snow program, preparing for winter weather, or tracking plow progress during a storm, visit snow.dc.gov.
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