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Be Prepared for Winter: Snow Poles Available

Big Bear Lake Residents May Purchase Poles at Civic Center

By Michael P. Neufeld
Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Big Bear Lake, CA - The City of Big Bear Lake is helping their residents get ready for winter, by offering snow poles for purchase at the Civic Center at a cost of $25 per pair or $12.50 per pole (plus tax).

The Civic Center is located at 39707 Big Bear Boulevard and is open to the public Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Snow poles are only available to residents of Big Bear Lake.

Milton W. Hofert Civic Center in Big Bear Lake (Photo by Michael P. Neufeld.)

In addition to snow removal on streets, the city provides berm reduction services to Big Bear Lake residents. When the city declares snow conditions, please keep the following in mind:

• Always park vehicles off the road or street right-of-way
• Shovel snow in driveways to the right side (as you face the road)
• Keep roads clear of all snow tools & devices used for shoveling
• Place garbage cans behind property line & berm when setting out for pick-up
• Mark driveway entrances with specially marked snow poles
• Snow poles help snowplow operators identify a driveway entrance when performing berm reduction services
• Keep small children inside when snow equipment is in your neighborhood
• Mark fences with 6' x 2" x 2" stakes, painted red at the top
• Whenever possible, wait to clear driveways until snowplow has passed
• Do not let children build igloos or caves in the snow banks near streets

Big Bear Lake's Snow Removal Hotline, at (909) 752-2830, offers general information on snow removal, berm reduction and current snow conditions. The hotline is accessible 24 hours a day and seven days a week.

Roughly one-third of Big Bear Lake's snow removal costs this upcoming season will go towards berm reduction. Berms are reduced only after all streets are cleared and passable. Berm reduction varies based on weather conditions, amount of snowfall and the number of snowplow vehicles in operation.

Big Bear Lake officials caution that in severe weather conditions, with snow levels of 16 inches and over, services may not be provided until 24 to 72 hours after snow begins to fall.

Snow removal and berm reduction information can also be found on the City's website at http://wwwcitybigbearlake.com.