Winter

As the temperatures drop, the fish go deep. As we head indoors for the winter, finding refuge and warmth in a comfy chair by the fireplace or wrapped in a blanket in front of the T.V., fish and other aquatic life also look for a good place to hunker down for the winter. Those “good places” include deep pools and slow runs (flat water areas with slow moving water) in the stream, places with root wads and vegetation or backwater…

We want to stay safe following a winter snow storm, so we clear roads, parking lots, driveways and sidewalks by plowing, shoveling and using salt. Have you ever wondered how salt melts ice? How Road Salt Works The freezing point of water is 32 degrees F. When the temperature drops to 32 degrees or below, hydrogen bonds between water molecules strengthen. The molecules arrange themselves into a crystalline structure, and liquid water becomes solid ice. When the temperature rises above…

Have you ever noticed white stripes on the road in the winter? These stripes are the result of anti-icing techniques that help snow fighters clear roads quickly after a storm. What is Anti-icing? Anti-icing is a proactive approach to maintaining winter safety. Liquid chemical (such as sodium chloride or magnesium chloride) is applied to roads, bridge decks and parking lots before a forecasted storm to prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. However, deicing is a much more…

Snow plow drivers work long hours before, during, and after a snowstorm to clear roads as much as possible. While plow drivers take care of public roads, residents can keep their neighborhoods safe by appropriately clearing sidewalks, driveways, and fire hydrants this winter. Below are tips homeowners can keep in mind when managing snow and ice on their properties: Sidewalks Homeowners are responsible for keeping walkways in residential areas safe and clear of snow. Shoveling and the right amount of…