Keeping Summit County Safe and Clear This Winter
In Summit County, Utah, winter means snow-capped mountains, frosty mornings, and unfortunately, ice. Ice management is a critical part of keeping homes, businesses, and roads safe during the colder months. With towns like Park City sitting at an elevation of 7,000 feet and Coalville at 5,574 feet, temperature fluctuations between these areas can significantly impact when and where ice forms. Let’s explore the importance of ice management, the science behind it, and how you can stay ahead of winter’s icy challenges.
Why Ice Management Matters
Ice isn’t just an inconvenience—it’s a serious hazard. Unmanaged ice can lead to:
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents: One in five falls on ice results in a serious injury.
- Vehicle Accidents: Icy roads reduce tire traction, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Property Damage: Ice buildup can harm driveways, sidewalks, and roofs.
Effective ice management ensures safety, reduces liability, and helps maintain the integrity of your property throughout the winter.
How and When Ice Forms
- Temperature Threshold: Ice begins to form at 32°F (0°C) when water freezes.
- Clear Skies and Radiational Cooling: Ice can form even above freezing on clear nights, as the ground loses heat faster than the air.
- Elevation Impact: Higher elevations like Park City experience colder temperatures earlier than lower towns like Coalville, meaning ice forms sooner and lingers longer.
Fun Facts About Ice
- Park City’s Winter Temps: Average lows in Park City are 14°F in January, compared to Coalville’s 18°F, giving Park City more icy mornings.
- Ice Weighs More Than You Think: One cubic foot of ice weighs about 57 pounds, which adds significant weight to roofs and structures.
- Black Ice Myth: Black ice isn’t black—it’s clear, blending in with asphalt, making it almost invisible and highly dangerous.
Our Ice Management Services
At EF Park City Landscaping, we offer comprehensive ice management solutions to keep your property safe and functional:
1. De-Icing Treatments
We apply eco-friendly de-icing solutions to driveways, walkways, ramps, and parking lots to prevent ice from forming or adhering to surfaces.
2. Ice Dam Prevention and Removal
Ice dams form when melting snow refreezes along roof edges, causing water backup and damage. We safely remove ice dams and help prevent future buildup.
3. Salting and Sanding
Salt lowers the freezing point of water, making it effective at preventing ice formation. Sand improves traction on already icy surfaces.
4. Emergency Ice Removal
When storms strike, we’re ready to respond quickly to clear icy areas and restore safety to your property.
When to Start Ice Management
- Early Winter: Begin ice management as soon as temperatures consistently dip below freezing, even if snow hasn’t fallen yet.
- After Storms: Monitor for ice buildup after snowstorms, especially during freeze-thaw cycles.
- In Problem Areas: Focus on shaded spots, high-traffic zones, and sloped surfaces, which are prone to icing.
Protect Your Property This Winter
Ice doesn’t have to be a hazard with the right prevention and removal strategies. EF Park City Landscaping’s professional ice management services ensure your property stays safe and accessible, no matter the weather.