Significant snow has fallen across northeast Saskatchewan after a stretch of spring-like weather. (Image Credit: Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Snow removal crews busy

‘It’s been a big one’: Town of Nipawin and other communities digging out from winter storm

Feb 18, 2026 | 4:17 PM

The snow has tapered off, but communities across the region continue to dig out. 

Nipawin’s General Manager of Operations and Engineering Jamie Fast told northeastNOW their crews have been clearing the main routes, and ensuring emergency access is clear. 

“The amount of snow, combined with drifting, has slowed things down in spots, but they’re making steady progress,” Fast said. 

Town crews always begin snow clearing with essential roads, including emergency routes, main streets through the community, school areas, and access to medical and key service locations. Fast said once those areas are cleared, they will move into residential areas. 

While the snowfall was significant, it was also the wind that added an extra challenge for snow removal crews.  

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“It caused a lot of drifting, especially in open areas,” Fast explained. “It also makes visibility tougher for operators, so safety becomes even more important.” 

Residents can help do their part, according to Fast, by keeping vehicles off the street, if possible, especially during daytime hours. 

“Parked vehicles really slow things down and sometimes prevent us from clearing properly,” said Fast. “Giving equipment space to work and being patient goes a long way.” 

Heavy equipment will be operating through town while they work to clear up this latest snow dump. Fast asks drivers to slow down, give operators plenty of room, and not to pass equipment while it’s working. He added conditions can change quickly, even on roads that have already been cleared. 

Thankfully, the mild stretch of weather that preceded the storm helped town crews push back snowbanks in several areas. While the town follows a priority system to remove snow, each storm is unique and can require different adjustments. 

“Snowfall amounts, wind, and drifting all affect how quickly we can get through the full rotation,” Fast explained. “The goal is always to make roads safe and passable as quickly as possible.” 

Fast said the Town appreciates residents’ patience during the snow removal process and adds the Public Works department is putting in long hours to dig out from this latest storm. 

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com