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This column reflects the opinion of the writer. Learn about the differences between a news story and an opinion column.

Snow gates efficient, not perfect

As a 25-year operator of a grader fitted with a snow gate, I worry that stories on the news or articles in the paper will give people the idea that snow gates will totally eliminate the snow berm in their driveways. Many factors play into how effective the gates will be.

Deep snow, slush, distance between driveways, parked cars, all kinds of factors affect the efficiency of a snow gate. Wet snow can pack up and prevent the gate from closing all the way, and the speed a gate opens and closes will slow down the speed a snowplow can run.

Please keep in mind that we live in the Inland Northwest and snow is a part of of that. Remember, the folks plowing your road are putting in long hours doing their best to battle what winter is throwing at us and when they go home they have to clean out their driveway too.

Michael Reiter

Deer Park

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