ROAD REMINDER: The Big Melt hasn’t started yet

| Safety | Transportation | West Seattle news | West Seattle weather

A texter sent that photo from Fairmount Ravine this afternoon and contacted SDOT to suggest this road should be closed. We’re publishing it as a reminder that aside from arterials, streets are still mostly covered in snow/ice and will be for a while longer – significant rain, and above-freezing air, isn’t due in until Sunday pm. SDOT offers this general reminder:

People driving in the city are advised to avoid steep, untreated streets – whether the street has a “road closed” sign or not. If you must drive, please stick to our plowed and treated snow network as much as possible and avoid the steep or challenging areas of the city.

WSlite January 1, 2022 (10:05 pm)

Yes, the side streets are awful. Just saw 2 different drivers get stuck on my road in the last 15 minutes. Also, saw one driver last night that drove down steep, untreated hill sliding right into some huge bushes that lined someone’s property before hitting house. Cop showed up and had car towed. Be safe out there folks. Side streets might look friendly but they are sheets of ice! Don’t drive if you don’t need to.

Derek January 1, 2022 (10:56 pm)

It’ll be gone very soon though. It’s above freezing from here on out.

WSB January 2, 2022 (12:12 am)

Unfortunately, not just yet – the official Seattle weather station is at 31 right now.
Anne January 2, 2022 (9:45 am)

Its 9:40 am Sunday-where we are -just a bit north of junction-alleys,side streets are still compact snow & ice, snow still on ground & roofs- yes eventually it will be gone-but “soon”??-guess it depends on your idea of soon. These side streets will be slushy messes (that could possibly refreeze at night) for a while yet-so please continue to use caution.
With a grain of salt January 2, 2022 (11:18 am)

I think I’ll take your comment with a grain of salt, or in this case a bag of rock salt.

WSDUDEMAN January 2, 2022 (10:37 am)

It’s a fairly simple premise…hills are not your friend. Brakes are not your friend.Good tires are your friend. Main arterials are your friend. Adjust your routes accordingly. If you live on a steep hill, wait or invest in salt.

Rick January 2, 2022 (10:51 am)

Good to know since I don’t have friends but do have good tires on my X5.

SnowedIn January 2, 2022 (12:13 pm)

I’m hoping the rain we get today melts enough that we can drive on the roads. Delivery services weren’t running and I’m in no condition to walk to the store.

uncle loco January 2, 2022 (12:17 pm)

My safety tip for today. Lots of hanging ice out there ready to drop. Use caution when walking around buildings etc..

Thomas A Wood January 2, 2022 (12:56 pm)

Conditions changing quickly ,The two walks I took today were totally different .Earlier the rain hadn’t penetrated the snow.My second walk I was breaking through to the pavement.

Westside 3 January 2, 2022 (1:45 pm)

Yes, Fairmount should be closed. People don’t realize that the consistent grade from the north end suddenly gets more steep past the bridge as it approaches Forest St. I live near that intersection and see cars get stuck and or turn around at the point all too often.

Sorry, comment time is over.