NOAA Minneapolis–St. Paul airport averages 51.2 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA December is the snowiest month at 11.4 inches; January averages 11.0 and February 9.5NOAA About 14.6 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more at the airportNOAA Normal January high 23.6°F and low 8.8°F at the Minneapolis–St. Paul airportNWS Twin Cities On average, the Twin Cities sees its first measurable snowfall November 4MN LTAP Rock salt works down to about 15°F; below −6°F it doesn’t work at allMinneapolis Homes and duplexes: clear sidewalks within 24 hours after it stops snowing; other properties within 4 daytime hoursMinneapolis Snow emergency Day 1 starts at 9 p.m.: no parking on either side of snow emergency routesMinneapolis Impound: $222 standard tow plus $18 a day storageSt. Paul Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a winter weather event, full widthSt. Paul Snow emergency ticket $56; towing and impound $246St. Louis Park Commercial sidewalks: within 4 business hours after snow stopsMaple Grove Sidewalks cleared within 12 hours after the snow has stopped fallingProMatcher Minneapolis driveway and sidewalk visit: about $44.76 on averageSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over yearNOAA Minneapolis–St. Paul airport averages 51.2 inches of snow a season (1991–2020 normals)NOAA December is the snowiest month at 11.4 inches; January averages 11.0 and February 9.5NOAA About 14.6 days a year bring 1 inch of snow or more at the airportNOAA Normal January high 23.6°F and low 8.8°F at the Minneapolis–St. Paul airportNWS Twin Cities On average, the Twin Cities sees its first measurable snowfall November 4MN LTAP Rock salt works down to about 15°F; below −6°F it doesn’t work at allMinneapolis Homes and duplexes: clear sidewalks within 24 hours after it stops snowing; other properties within 4 daytime hoursMinneapolis Snow emergency Day 1 starts at 9 p.m.: no parking on either side of snow emergency routesMinneapolis Impound: $222 standard tow plus $18 a day storageSt. Paul Clear sidewalks within 24 hours after a winter weather event, full widthSt. Paul Snow emergency ticket $56; towing and impound $246St. Louis Park Commercial sidewalks: within 4 business hours after snow stopsMaple Grove Sidewalks cleared within 12 hours after the snow has stopped fallingProMatcher Minneapolis driveway and sidewalk visit: about $44.76 on averageSIMA Snow and ice customers are retained 93% of the time year over year

When Salt Stops Working

The normal January low at the Minneapolis–St. Paul airport is 8.8°F and the high 23.6°F (NOAA, 1991–2020). The University of Minnesota's MN LTAP says rock salt is effective down to about 15°F, works very slowly below that and doesn't work at all below −6°F. Calcium chloride is the most effective common melter in deep cold, working to about −20°F.

Shovel First, Salt Second

Clear to the pavement first. Melt is for what's left, not for the whole storm.

Pick Melt by Temperature

Below about 15°F, use a product rated for the cold, such as calcium chloride.

Pile Snow on the Yard

St. Paul asks you to pile snow onto your yard or boulevard. It's unlawful to shovel snow into streets.

Clear the Full Width

St. Paul asks for the full width of the sidewalk, plus corner curb cuts, bus stops without a shelter and fire hydrants along your property.

Know Your Emergency Day

Minneapolis Day 1 starts at 9 p.m.; Days 2 and 3 at 8 a.m. A tow costs $222 plus $18 a day.

Sign Up Early

The Twin Cities sees its first measurable snowfall on November 4 on average (NWS). Get on a route in October.

Sources: NOAA NCEI, University of Minnesota MN LTAP, City of Saint Paul, City of Minneapolis, City of Minneapolis, National Weather Service Twin Cities.

Know Your Deadline

City	Sidewalk deadline	Source
Minneapolis	Homes and duplexes: 24 hours after it stops snowing; all other properties: 4 daytime hours	City of Minneapolis
St. Paul	24 hours after a winter weather event	City of Saint Paul
St. Louis Park	Commercial: 4 business hours; residential: 6 daylight hours or noon the next day	City of St. Louis Park
Maple Grove	12 hours after the snow stops	City of Maple Grove
Plymouth	48 hours	City of Plymouth

In an HOA or townhome association? Your association may clear only the common areas. Check its rules, and plan for the driveway apron after the city plow passes.

Want help? See tools in the Ice Fighter shop, read the winter travel advisories, or let a crew do it.

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Minnesota Winter Tips