Snow removal experts ready for the first flakes

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Frank John Casciotta
  • 71st Flying Training Wing Public Affairs
VANCE AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  Each year during the snow season the Pavements and Grounds shop at Vance Air Force Base work to keep runways, roads, sidewalks and parking lots clear from snow so Team Vance can get to work.

Snow removal teams kept busy last winter with a record-breaking low temperature of minus 17 and four separate occasions when more than 17 inches of snow fell.

"We have to keep the airfields clear to make sure training isn't hindered and the base clear so people can make it to work," said Gerald Plaster, the civil engineering director with Computer Science Corporation Applied Technologies here.

Keeping the airfields clear enough of snow for pilot training to continue is no small task for the seven folks charged with the job.

The taxiway is 2,500 square yards, the inside runway is 5,000 feet long by 150 wide and the center and outside runways are 9,200 feet long by 150 wide. These areas must be clear from snow to allow pilot training to remain on schedule.

"We contact the weather guys every two hours for updates on projected snowfall and wind conditions to help determine scheduling for the teams," said Plaster.

Snow removal teams sometimes have to work in two 12-hour shifts depending on how bad the storm is. The direction the wind is blowing determines where the plows push the snow.
"You have to pay attention to the wind, otherwise the snow just ends up back on the airfield," said Plaster.

However, keeping sidewalks free from snow isn't only up to the snow removal teams. It is also the responsibility of members of Team Vance to assist by keeping the snow clear near the buildings where they work.

"Facility managers are responsible for clearing sidewalks within 50 feet of their facility," said Plaster. "Ice melt and snow shovels are available through the self-help store." For more information, call 213-7786.