Wintery forecast prompts prep work on campus

It could be nothing more than a few flurries, but Enterprise Services isn't taking any chances: department crews are gearing up for snow and ice removal on the Capitol Campus.

The National Weather Service forecast for Olympia calls for a 40 percent chance of flurries before 10 p.m. tonight, then a chance of snow between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. Tuesday morning. The snow will turn to freezing rain, possibly mixed with snow.

Tuesday's daytime forecast is for snow and freezing rain before 10 a.m. and then turning to mostly rain later. The chance of precipitation is 60 percent. Snow accumulation of less than a half inch is expected. There is a 30 percent chance of rain Tuesday night.

The Enterprise Services team has been working hard to keep the campus roads and walkways clear this past week during the cold snap and will be making a final push today, tonight and tomorrow to keep campus roads, sidewalks, steps and parking lots clear and safe to use.

The department's custodial crews will spread chemical de-icers at campus building entrances tonight and tomorrow morning. Grounds staff will report to work at 5 a.m. Tuesday morning spreading sand and de-icers on campus roads, sidewalks and building entrances.

In addition to plowing, shoveling and sanding, Enterprise Services crews are responsible for cleaning up melted snow and ice inside building entrances to prevent slips and falls.

The campus powerhouse next to Capitol Lake is staffed 24 hours per day. The powerhouse crew has the authority to call in additional resources based on the severity of an event.

Enterprise Services coordinates snow removal efforts with the cities of Olympia and Tumwater.

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