With an annual snowfall of nearly 4 feet in Coeur d’Alene, Streets and Engineering Director Todd Feusier said the city is prepared for Mother Nature’s seasonal wrath. 

“It hasn’t been much of a winter so far, but I wanted to let you know the fleet is ready,” Feusier told City Council members at their last meeting of 2025. 

City policy calls for using a snowplow when there are more than 4 inches of snow on the roadway surface, or when there are 3 inches of snow on the roadway and more than 4 inches are predicted. 

The top priority for plowing is the arterials and emergency service area arterials near the hospital, fire stations, the police department and the 911 Dispatch Center. Next on the list are collector streets and hills traveled for school bus routes, followed by residential areas. 

“Snow gates generally will not be used on arterials/collector streets due to the large volume of snow pushed to the curb on wider streets,” Feusier said. “We will use them in residential areas to reduce the berms — not eliminate them — reduce them to 6 inches on each side of your driveway.” 

Feusier added that abutting property owners must do their part as well, as they are responsible for clearing nearby sidewalks. 

“We’ll do our best to not push the snow back onto your sidewalk, but do ask for your help in cleaning the sidewalk,” he said. 

A cooperative agreement with the East Side Highway District prevents the use of gates in Cherry Hill, Tubbs Hill, Stanley Hill, Fernan Terrace Drive, Fernan Hill, Lakewood Drive and Armstrong Hill areas. 

Feusier said the street department doesn’t plow alleyways. He also warns that it’s unlawful to deposit or throw snow, dirt, ice, rocks or any debris into a public street, sidewalk, or thoroughfare to clean your driveway or property.