Snow Removal in Somersett
The best tactic to handle snow in the Sierras is to be prepared for almost anything Mother Nature sends our way. While Reno typically doesn’t see heavy snowfall, and rising temperatures often melt what does fall after plowing or shoveling, significant storms can still occur, so we want everyone to be prepared and understand the process around plowing and clearing sidewalks.
SOA Snowplowing Overview
The SOA plows snow in the following areas when a minimum of 4 inches of snow has accumulated on the streets, with snow continuing to fall:
- Private Streets - behind gates - see map below.
- TCTC Common Area Walkways and Parking Lot.
- Sidewalks along the Parkways (Somersett, East Del Webb, Somersett Ridge)
- Mailbox areas for Private Streets (lowest priority)
About 1/3 of Somersett residents live on private streets maintained by the SOA; The Village and The Vue contract separately to maintain their streets.
ALL other streets are plowed by the City of Reno
The City of Reno is responsible for public streets, including those in Sierra Canyon. The city also has a 4” minimum trigger.
Questions about public street plowing?
Call Reno City Services directly at 775-334-INFO or visit their website at renodirect@reno.gov.
You can also review the City of Reno's Snow and Ice Removal Routes and Priorities for the Somersett Area HERE.
You can also review the City of Reno's Snow and Ice Removal Routes and Priorities for the Somersett Area HERE.
Sidewalk Clearing
All homeowners are responsible for clearing sidewalks adjacent to their property throughout the snow season. This includes both occupied and unoccupied homes, as well as lots that are owned but not yet developed.
Snow Removal Tips
- If you anticipate it is going to snow or it is snowing, move all vehicles out of the street and into your driveway. This makes it easier for the plows to operate, and less snow accumulates in your driveway.
- Clear your driveway and sidewalks when the snow is still fresh and before it begins to melt underneath at the pavement level. If you wait too long, it can also turn to ice, which is hard to shovel and remove.
- It is best to clear every 3-4 inches before it is walked on or driven on and definitely before it freezes overnight!
- When the streets are plowed, the snow is simply pushed from the roadway to the sides of the street. Therefore, prepare for snow berms from roadway snow removal.
- Do not shovel or blow snow from your driveway and sidewalk into the street. This impedes snowplows and creates unnecessary additional snow on the street. Keep your driveway and sidewalk snow confined to your yard. Additional snow in the streets creates more dangerous driving conditions, especially after the plow has passed.
- The SOA and City of Reno plows do not clear curb to curb.
- The SOA maintains a 10-foot berm access adjacent to the street on both sides of the road to plow/push snow out of the roadway, which could move snow onto your sidewalk or into your driveway. Every effort is made to avoid this but the deeper the snow, the more likely this is to happen. This is also true for the City of Reno streets.
- Homeowners should be prepared to clear any snow deposited by the SOA or City of Reno plows onto driveways and sidewalks.
- Cul-de-sacs on private streets (behind gates) have unique issues, in that there is generally not much room to plow or push snow, due to angled lot lines and driveways. Understand that the SOA contractors will do everything they can to clear private street cul-de-sacs, but it may take a little longer.
- For cul-de-sacs that are maintained by the City of Reno; the city generally DOES NOT clear cul-de-sacs due to the size of their snow removal equipment. If attempted, they are the very last priority. The city is responsible for public streets and can be reached by calling Reno Direct at 775-334-INFO.
Give Your Neighbor A Helping Hand!
If you are able, please consider helping seniors and neighbors with limited mobility during and after storms. We love hearing about neighbors teaming up to support one another—it truly makes a difference.
Snow shoveling can be strenuous physical work, so please take your time and prioritize safety. If additional help is needed, you may wish to contact a snow removal company; however, please note that companies are often extremely busy during and immediately following storms, especially if services were not arranged in advance.
Snow shoveling can be strenuous physical work, so please take your time and prioritize safety. If additional help is needed, you may wish to contact a snow removal company; however, please note that companies are often extremely busy during and immediately following storms, especially if services were not arranged in advance.
Protect Yourself and Your Pets!
Consider getting a pair of stretch-on traction cleats for snow/ice: $5 to $30 (Yaktrax or Similar). Available at Hardware stores, Cabella’s, REI, Costco, Walmart, Amazon, and Temu. These work on both shoes and boots and can help prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
Enjoy the winter season, as Somersett and all of the Sierras take on a special beauty that can be enjoyed from both inside and outside your home. Dress for the weather, and don’t forget this includes your 4-legged friends. Keep them warm and beware of ice/snow/salt, and frostbite on their paws!
Enjoy the winter season, as Somersett and all of the Sierras take on a special beauty that can be enjoyed from both inside and outside your home. Dress for the weather, and don’t forget this includes your 4-legged friends. Keep them warm and beware of ice/snow/salt, and frostbite on their paws!