Behind the scenes: Purdue’s winter weather response
Each winter, snow and ice events test the resilience of Purdue’s campus. While students, faculty and staff arrive to cleared sidewalks and open roadways, the work begins hours earlier. Thanks to the strategic planning and rapid response of the Grounds department, campus operations continued safely and efficiently throughout the season’s many winter weather events.
Grounds closely monitors weather forecasts to anticipate potential impacts before a storm arrives. When winter weather is in the forecast, preparations begin well before sunrise. Crews evaluate the severity and timing of the system, expected accumulation, wind conditions and campus activity levels to determine staffing, equipment needs and priority areas. Clear and consistent communication across departments ensures teams are aligned and ready to respond, keeping campus accessible and safe.
Ground temperatures are a major factor in determining how removal efforts move forward. When surface temperatures are above the appropriate threshold, streets and walkways can be pre-treated with brine to help prevent snow and ice from bonding to the pavement. However, if ground temperatures are too low, pre-treatment becomes ineffective and crews must adjust their approach. Quick action is critical, as vehicle and foot traffic can quickly compact snow and ice, making conditions more hazardous and significantly harder to clear.
“We have to know when and how to pivot,” said Grounds Director Phil Richey. “Every storm is different, and our response depends on temperature, timing and what’s happening across campus. Being flexible and ready to adjust in real time is what allows us to stay ahead of conditions and keep campus as safe as possible.”
While the Grounds department leads snow and ice response efforts, maintaining a safe and operational campus during inclement weather is a truly collaborative undertaking. Grounds works in close coordination with Building Services and Operations and Maintenance to ensure walkways, building entryways and parking areas are cleared promptly and remain safe throughout the duration of a storm event. Coordination extends beyond Administrative Operations, with Athletics and University Residences maintaining close communication to ensure all areas of campus are addressed appropriately and remain clear.
Through preparation, coordination and adaptability, Purdue’s winter weather response reflects a shared commitment to safety and service. What begins as a forecast quickly becomes a coordinated effort spanning multiple teams, all working behind the scenes to ensure the campus remains accessible and operational. While snow and ice may be inevitable, disruptions do not have to be. Thanks to the dedication and collaboration of these teams, the Purdue community is well supported through whatever winter conditions arise.
