DC Prepares for Snow and Ice with Annual Snow Mobilization Exercises
Wednesday, Oct 14, 2026
District Crews Simulate Winter Storm, Test Equipment, and Fine-Tune Operations Ahead of 2026–2027 Snow Season
(Washington, DC) –Winter weather may still be weeks away, but the District’s Snow Team isn’t waiting for the first snowfall to get ready. Today, Snow Team crews concluded Snow Mobilization Week—an intensive, five-day exercise designed to put the District’s snow response operations to the test before winter arrives.
Throughout the week, crews, led by the Department of Public Works (DPW) with strong support from the District Department of Transportation (DDOT), inspected, tested and calibrated snow removal equipment, performed final maintenance, replenished salt and brine supplies, and reviewed plow routes. Behind the scenes, technology teams tested the systems used to monitor weather conditions, deploy equipment, and track snow removal progress in real time.
“Snow Mobilization Week is a critical step in our preparations for winter weather season,” said DPW Interim Director Chris Rodriguez. “We experienced a generational storm last year that showed us where we needed to improve, and this week we’re testing the technology and processes we’ve put in place to make sure we’re prepared to respond. I’m proud of the women and men of DPW and the entire DC Snow Team for the work they’ve put in, and we remain committed to supporting our residents and businesses when the weather turns.”
The week’s activities centered on a simulated winter storm, beginning with a Snow Team coordination call using a mock forecast provided by the National Weather Service. As the hypothetical storm evolved, operations leaders adjusted deployment plans, assessed resources, and practiced making the critical decisions required during an actual weather emergency.
The exercise culminated today with a citywide dry run, as plow operators traveled their assigned routes to identify potential obstacles, familiarize themselves with any new roadway conditions, and test operational readiness.
The DC Snow Team brings together more than 800 employees and a fleet of heavy- and light-duty snow removal vehicles. The coordinated effort also includes the Department of General Services (DGS), Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency (HSEMA), Serve DC, and other District agencies that provide critical support during winter weather events.
DPW spent the last several months updating its technology to improve its ability to track plowing status in real time. This will help guide operational and deployment decisions as an event develops.
The agency also continues to modernize its fleet while advancing the District’s sustainability goals. Its snow response resources include 69 biodiesel-powered trucks and 22 electric pickup trucks used by supervisors. The District’s commitment to cleaner, more efficient fleet recently led it to be recognized as the ninth greenest fleet by the National Association of Fleet Administrators (NAFA). District government’s fleet, which is procured by DPW, also ranks in the top 20 in NAFA’s 2026 list of the 100 Best Fleets in the Americas.
Residents Encouraged to Prepare Now
While the Snow Team prepares its equipment and personnel, District officials encourage residents and businesses to take steps now to prepare their homes, properties and families for winter weather.
Know your responsibilities: District property owners are required to clear snow and ice from sidewalks, curb ramps and curb cuts adjacent to their properties within the timeframes established by District law. Residents age 65 and older or those with qualifying disabilities may apply for a sidewalk snow removal exemption at shovelexemption.dpw.dc.gov.
Help a neighbor: Residents can support neighbors who may need assistance with snow removal by participating in Serve DC’s Volunteer Snow Team at communityaffairs.dc.gov/servedc.
Prepare for emergencies: Keep essential supplies on hand, monitor weather forecasts, and sign up for emergency alerts.
Help protect vulnerable residents: During winter weather, call the District’s Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093 to request free transportation to shelter for anyone in need, including individuals experiencing homelessness.
Residents can learn more about the District’s snow response program, find winter weather preparedness resources and track snowplow progress during storms by visiting snow.dc.gov.