County warns of slow snow response

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It could be a perfect storm of La Niña and lack of snow plow drivers this winter.

Whatcom County Public Works is dealing with a significant staffing shortage of licensed, qualified and experienced snow plow operators. This issue is caused by a combination of experienced workers retiring, the booming construction economy placing a premium on equipment operator jobs, and the Covid-19 pandemic limiting commercial driver licence training opportunities.

La Niña is coming

This year is forecast to bring increased snowfall over the Northwest reaching peak intensity during the late fall or winter. Historically Lummi Island gets a snow event once a year, usually in February. But the last La Niña in 2017-2018 brought snow in early November, Christmas Day, and in late February.

Recent snow events

2017/2018 (La Niña)
November 3 | December 25 | February 22

2018/2019
February 3 | February 13

2019/2020
January 13

2020/2021
February 13

Most of island is a low priority

Just one stretch of N. Nugent is a Priority 2 road. See interactive map here.

Snow depths reached 10 inches across the island on February 2021. The snow plows showed up on Lummi Island amazingly quick, considering the island only has one stretch of Priority 2 road: North Nugent from the Legoe Bay Road north to Lane Spit. All other roads are rated Priority 4 that means that service “may be significantly reduced during and after severe snowfall, ice storms, and other winter weather” according to the County’s Snow Priority Roads map.

Experience the ascent to Holiday Lake through 12-inches of unplowed snow, by a four wheel drive SUV with chains on all four tires.

So don’t hold your breath this winter, especially on Lummi Island. The County is asking all residents to prepare in case roads are not plowed.

  • Keep up with weather forecasts and know when snow and ice is expected.

  • Have sufficient staples like groceries and medication to stay at home for multiple days.

  • Stay home if you can during and immediately after a winter storm.

  • If you must travel, have tire chains and carry a basic winter survival kit in your vehicle.