Saskatoon's second big snowfall in a week won't trigger emergency response: City

City crews and contractors are at it again — clearing roadways after another major snowfall.

Environment and Climate Change Canada said a low-pressure system over northern Montana spread a large area of accumulating snow across most of southern Saskatchewan well into Sunday.

In western Saskatchewan, this accumulating snow tapered off Sunday morning. For east-central areas of the province, the heavy snow lingered into Sunday evening.

About 25 centimetres fell on the city by Sunday afternoon, according to the City of Saskatoon's snow and ice report.

Generally, that level of snowfall serves to trigger city-wide snow clearing that includes residential streets.

In a news release on Monday afternoon, the city clarified it would not be activating the roadways emergency response plan.

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"The snowfall amount is right at the threshold. Mobility and ability to navigate streets is another key consideration. The snow that fell was light powder snow that when compacted by traffic will see improved mobility over time," the city said in the news release.

The full five phases of the emergency response plan come with a price tag of approximately $18 to $20 million, "which is a substantial expenditure," the city said.

"Instead, the city is addressing specific problem areas and evaluating local streets for mobility and safety."

The city says transit riders can expect delays and service interruptions as the crews continue clearing roads over the next several days.

As of Monday morning, the city said 91 per cent of its top-priority streets were graded, with 20 per cent of second-tier streets and five per cent of third-priority streets cleared. Another update on the snow-clearing process is expected around 3 p.m.

Bridge decks, ramps and intersections remain icy, and lanes are reduced due to snow drifts, the city said.

Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel and allow extra time for their commutes. Classes are canceled at both Catholic and public schools.

Residents working in the north end are advised that Millar Avenue has been reopened following a very messy water main break on Friday.