Icy days at UAA

The recent thaw and freeze cycles have brought slippery conditions to the UAA campus. Many Seawolves have noticed that sidewalks and roadways are quite icy.

To find out more about the university’s ice and snow removal, I contacted Grounds Supervisor Kara Monroe. She oversees the dispatching of staff to snow removal and maintenance once the snow starts falling or when melt turns to freeze.

In an email, Monroe explained the many variables at play during the winter months of the school year:  “Anchorage experiences a temperate, maritime climate and this — coupled with a general increase in average winter temperatures— means we contend with rain and ice. Mid-winter warm ups are inevitable. Sometimes we have many hours to manage ice, and sometimes the ground can glaze over within a matter of one class period.”

She asks students for patience while her teams are hard at work to ensure that the campus continues to function. The contracted grounds staff are on-site by 7:30 a.m. Monday through Friday, using equipment such as sanding trucks and Toolcat spreaders. In fact, they are on call overnight to be ready for the event that there is 2 1/2-3 inches of snow accumulation. Once snow reaches that threshold, crews begin clearing parking lots and roadways. The threshold for the aviation complex is even lower as the FAA requires that no more than one inch of snow builds up in plane parking areas. Along with this, the contractor that deals with the complex spreads FAA-specific sand that is the industry standard for runways and holding areas.

According to her email, most roadway and lot clearing takes place between 9 p.m. and 7 a.m. out of concern for safety, as loaders have the potential to be dangerous.

While all of this is happening, her in-house team of six full-time staff and two students get to work at 5 a.m., spreading gravel and taking care of walkway surface plowing. Ice melt is used only for ramps and staircases because of the EPA regulations regarding its wide-scale use.

Clearing surfaces is only part of the work. Monroe wrote: “When we finish plowing, the work continues: Grounds is responsible for clearing every emergency fire exit, fire department hook up, gas line, ADA bumper block and sign post, shuttle stop, fire hydrant, staircase, bike rack, trash can, drain, bench and all features (benches, rails, signage, shelter) at 13 People Mover bus stops.”

Two major projects intended to simplify on-campus snow removal are in the pipeline as well. The first is the phasing out of old trucks and spreaders to ensure reliability. Second is the construction of a new sand and equipment storage facility that will replace degraded storage areas near Gordon Hartlieb Hall.

Clearly, these maintenance teams have their work cut out for them. So, how can students keep themselves safe and aware while traversing campus in wintery weather? Monroe encourages students to wear shoes with good tread —think hiking or snow boots— and to consider placing spikes on shoes for extra traction. Sand barrels at building entrances are stocked and available for students and staff to utilize in icy areas near entryways. Students should also be aware of snow removal equipment and be sure to make eye contact with heavy machinery operators, such as plow drivers, before crossing their paths.

As a final note, her email extended a welcome to any Northern Light reader who would like to apply to be part of the Grounds Department team – enticing those interested with a great group of people to work with and benefits such as a tuition waiver.