Managing Winter Weather at Lake Monticello

• understand what F&O does during winter weather events
• know what you should do to prepare for the winter season

OUR MISSION

During winter weather events, roads may become blocked due to snow, sleet, freezing rain, ice, fallen trees, etc. When necessary, our Facilities & Operations Team (F&O) will work around the clock for the first 48 hours of a storm, and contractors can be called in to assist when cleanup requires heavier equipment. 

Despite careful planning, our F & O Team may face challenging circumstances that hinder or delay removal efforts. Depending on the type and magnitude of the storm, road clearing can take several days, as seen during Storm Frida in 2022 and Storm Fern in 2026. Even with the best laid-out plan, some areas may be missed. If you believe your street was missed, please email F&O at [email protected].

F&O employees strive to provide our community with the best snow and ice removal service possible within their available manpower and resources. These men and women tackle storm events that persist 24 hours and beyond, while restricting personal plans and spending long hours away from family. Community support and patience are essential for maintaining morale. Respectful communications with staff and kind gestures make a huge difference!
 

PROTOCOL

When signs clearly indicate an approaching event, a planning meeting will take place, followed by equipment and supply preparations, and the setup of a command center. LMOA Communications will keep the community informed via email, Facebook, and text (Everbridge) throughout the event, as long as connectivity is available.

In the absence of clear indicators, LMOA follows a protocol that initiates action at the earliest sign of deteriorating road conditions. On-duty Lake Police Officers and/or F&O Personnel will notify the General Manager and the F&O Manager when conditions at a particular location require treatment. If communication to the residents is necessary, the LMOA Communications will be alerted.
 

Sign Up to Receive Emergency Communication Alerts from LMOA

 EQUIPMENT & WORK AREA

Responding to winter weather requires using the right amount of resources to meet the actual needs:

• Hills, gates, and tight curves are treated with a sand and salt mixture ahead of the storm. This mixture is used strategically and does not contain chemicals because large amounts of salt or chemicals can run off into our waterways and degrade lake health.
• The F&O Department currently has 13 plow and treatment sections; our 12 residential sections plus Jefferson Drive.
• Landing zones for emergency helicopters, gates, and main roads are prioritized. Secondary roads with their cul-de-sacs are next in line, followed by parking lots. This ensures maximum attention to high-traffic areas and an efficient, organized approach to plowing.
• Each section is assigned equipment. Plows and salt/sand spreaders are attached to our F&O trucks.
• Our drivers are collectively responsible for 124 lane miles of roadway, provided all trucks are up and operating. 
• When a storm is anticipated to be significant, F&O will coordinate with contractors who can assist. The use of contractors is done in emergency situations and is funded with the Improved Property Fee (IPF) funds.
• If a mailbox or personal property is damaged by plows, please email [email protected]. F&O will work with you after the road clearing is complete.

PLOWING 

If plowing is required, snow is plowed as wide as possible, creating at least one lane. Crews start plowing when the accumulation reaches two inches. It should take each truck about two to four hours to pass through the route once, if snowfall is light and stops shortly after plowing begins. During a heavy, sustained storm, the driver will make several passes to keep roads passable. It typically takes about 24-48 hours after snow has ended to complete plowing efforts. Please understand that snow will get plowed into driveways and cars parked on the street will get plowed in. Our crews' priority is to clear all 62 miles of roads as quickly as possible.

 

 SNOW & ICE TREATMENT 

The approach to snow and ice treatment depends on the nature of the event. 

• Sometimes the entire crew is mobilized, and sometimes only one truck.
• Sometimes plowing and sand/salting are required, and sometimes only sand/salting. 
• The duration of the storm cleanup effort depends on the type of event.

 

 SETTING EXPECTATIONS - What can YOU do to help?

• A well-prepared household is ready for a few days at home. This allows you to stay calm and make the best of the situation. The best storms are when the neighborhood comes together to support each other and the staff.
• Plan for prolonged power outages and frozen pipes. Make a plan for staying fed, hydrated, and warm during outages. Residents are encouraged to have a week’s worth of emergency supplies at home, including fuel or firewood.
• You should expect unsafe roads and difficult travel. Please adjust plans accordingly, staying off the roads if travel is not essential.
• If travel is essential, prepare your vehicle before a storm. Have emergency supplies in the car and a full tank of gas, etc.
• Please sign up for Everbridge so you can stay informed throughout an event.
• Do not park cars on the road so that plows can work effectively.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who are elderly or disabled.
• Expect a trash delay.
• Feel welcome to report downed trees, missed roads, and property damage to [email protected]. We request that non-urgent requests be emailed only so we can keep the phone lines open for urgent requests. Urgent requests will be addressed first. It may take a few days for someone to get back to you, depending on the gravity of your request. Your patience is valued!

  

EMT COLLABORATION  When driving conditions are expected to be treacherous, F&O meets with the Lake Monticello Volunteer Fire & Rescue (LMVFR) for planning and an LMVFR radio is issued to F&O. When a fire and/or medical call for service is dispatched by Fluvanna County, LMVFR personnel may radio F&O and advise them of the incident and response route. A fire truck may lead the ambulance to the incident scene, and an LMOA plow, if in the general area, may plow the secondary road(s) for a safer and quicker response. LMOA is very grateful for this partnership!

 

 

 

 SLEDDING HILL

When it snows, LMOA looks forward to offering the hill at Hole 14 on the golf course for sledding. It's one of the unique perks that make our community so much fun. However, it is not always possible. During snowfall, the Course Superintendent checks the conditions in the morning and is responsible for making the call whether to open it to sledding. If the snow is not deep enough or the ground is too soft, the hill will remain closed. A little damage to the hill can be repaired, but in some instances, the potential for significant damage would be too great for the hill to recover well. Damage to the course could result in lost business, and a loss in revenue will affect our Members' wallets. Keep in mind that, according to the LMOA Deed, we must maintain a golf course, so ensuring it is successful is paramount. Please trust that the Course Superintendent wants the hill to open to sledding, but must balance that with his duty to protect the course. If we open the sledding hill, we will communicate that on the official Facebook page, and a sign will be posted at the hill. If you hear nothing, it is best to assume that it is closed.