Weather Updates

Up-to-the-date weather forecasts for the City of Salem can be found on OneRain.

Before the first snowflake falls

The City of Salem uses a combination of weather models to prepare for a potential storm. These long and short-range weather models help us determine when crews will be put on standby and begin an operation period to help mitigate the impact of an incoming winter storm.

Weather Definitions 

A Winter Storm Watch means Be Aware! Conditions are favorable (50% confidence) for a winter storm event to occur within 36 hours.

During a Winter Storm Watch, we warn crews and place staff on standby if needed. We prepare equipment and supplies and get our snow response fleet ready for use. We also begin to apply de-icer if conditions warrant the use.

A Winter Storm Advisory means Be Prepared! There is an elevated chance (80% or more) that wintery elements are expected within 24-hours, but are not anticipated to be hazardous.

During a Winter Storm Advisory, we assign crews and alert City leadership, the media, and the public as needed.

A Winter Storm Warning means Take Action! There is a significant winter element expected to impact the City with hazardous conditions within 24 hours. Including more than 3 inches of snow forecasted in the valley.

During a Winter Storm Warning, crews are placed on 12-hour shifts with 2 teams covering 24/7. We send notifications to the public through press releases, social media posts, and emergency notifications if needed.

To sign up for emergency community notifications, go to Marion - Polk Alerts.

When it snows

Crews will begin plowing primary arterial roadways with a focus on impacted major streets and streets with significant hills. 

The City has increased its snow-fighting fleet to include:

• 7 Heavy Plow Trucks with drop sanders or deicer tanks
• 1 Heavy Dump Truck with drop sander
• 1 Medium Dump Truck with drop sander or deicer tank
• 3 Medium Dump Trucks with 500-gallon deicer tank
• 1 Service Truck with V-plow and 225-gallon deicer tank
• 1 Heavy-Duty Pick-up Truck with plow, sander for parking lots
• 1 Motor Grader for plowing (used in reserve)

De-Icer

When responding to expected icy conditions, the City of Salem uses Magnesium Chloride to pre-treat roadways.

Pre-Treatment

Deicer is used primarily prior to freezing temperatures arriving in Salem. It requires a low moisture content in the forecast before application. If used on a wet street, the pre-treatment can be washed away before becoming effective.

The City uses Hot-Shot routes for pre-treatment, based on historically freeze-prone areas around the City, including bridges and hills.

The benefits of using Magnesium Chloride

• Lowest effective temperature of 0 degrees
• More environmentally friendly than other substances
• When applied in liquid form, it stays on the roadway
• Helps prevent the ice from bonding with the pavement.

Limitations of Magnesium Chloride

• Less effective when ice is fully established
• Mildly corrosive to common metals
• Potential for pedestrians to step in and bring into homes and businesses

Treatment during an active winter event

City of Salem has three treatment options available during a winter storm event.

• Deicer Application
• Plowing
• Sanding

Routes

Snow Routes in the City are determined based on an established winter response plan. They include:

Deicer Routes

Deicer or Hot-Shot Routes are streets, hills, and bridges identified as historically freeze-prone areas where pre-treatment is applied before the storm. 

Primary Snow Routes 

Primary Routes are the primary arterial roadways, major streets, and important emergency vehicle routes throughout the City. 

Secondary Routes

Secondary Routes include City Arterials (major roadways), collector street, and important connections throughout the City.

The City of Salem will close roadways as a last resort to protect the public during a winter weather event. Typically, road closures are put in place when there is an imminent danger to the public from downed trees, power lines, or multiple vehicle accidents.

The Current Road Conditions Map on the City of Salem website provides up-to-date information on scheduled or emergency road closures in Salem.

Four Frequent Planned Closures

• Bluff Ave SE from Heather Lane to Ratcliff Drive
• Chandler Drive South from Biegler Lane to Madrona Avenue
• Joseph Street South from Croisan Scenic Drive to the Dead-end
• Lyman Lane SE/Lorian Lane from Ratcliff Drive to Vista Avenue