Snow in summer? CE personnel think about winter weather year-round

Published Sept. 9, 2011
By Brandice J. O'Brien
Tinker Public Affairs

TINKER AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. -- Imagine snow. Not snow cones, but several inches of cold, white, fluffy precipitation or ice gathered on the ground. Although it's hard to fathom with daily temperatures above 100 degrees lately, but that's exactly what the Hazardous Weather Committee is doing.

The committee is planning and preparing for the next winter season and reviewing learned lessons of the previous season. It's a year-round process.

"To some, they may think it's crazy for the Hazardous Weather Committee to be meeting and planning for snow and ice when we're in the midst of a record breaking year for 100 degree temperatures in Oklahoma--but this is actually the perfect time to start the process. Remember, the job of this committee is to figure out the best way to keep the base open and operating when severe weather strikes. That's a difficult challenge, especially when we have to take into consideration the safety, health and welfare of the workforce. However, we're up to that challenge," said Col. Bob LaBrutta, 72nd Air Base Wing commander. "So, we've met a few times and have taken a look at lessons learned from last year. We have received inputs from each of our installation's mission partners and made a few adjustments. We have developed a draft "snow plan" that is now in coordination. Once we receive the thumbs up from our organization's principles and approval from Maj. Gen. Gillett, Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center commander, we'll publish the plan and that will be the approved working document we formally execute this winter season."

In the course of three to five winter events, Tinker typically averages 8 inches of snowfall per year. As a result, the base is required to manage a Snow and Ice Control Plan. The plan is necessary for any Air Force base that has an annual snowfall of 6 inches.

The plan, a 37-page document, captures the intent of Tinker's senior leaders through outlining courses of action for multiple parties should there be a need to clear ice or snow. The plan lists priorities and responsibilities for various and necessary operations while providing flexibility for key-decision makers to meet mission needs. Ranked first, second or third priority, the plan maps the order in which airfields, roads, gates and parking lots should be cleared. Furthermore, the plan outlines unit responsibilities to facilitate workforce safety and mission execution.

"Rarely does the winter plan change because the resources don't change," said Stacy Ballew, 72nd Civil Engineer Directorate contract executor in the Snow and Ice Control Plan and TSS Operations manager. "The snow plan is efforts and lessons learned here at Tinker based on average winter conditions. The only changes are typically additions of new facilities on the base or priorities changed because of mission changes."

The clearing of 2.5 million square yards of runways, taxi areas and overruns, plus 66 miles of driving lanes is performed by Tinker Support Services.

"It's very unique here at Tinker because of the icing conditions," Mr. Ballew said. "Typically what Tinker sees a lot of is freezing rain just prior to temperatures facilitating that freezing rain turning into snow, which is a lot more difficult to clear than just snow. Because of Tinker's location, it is more subject to extreme conditions for short periods of time."

To prepare for the following year, the team retrains personnel regarding what to expect plus flightline, snow-removal and equipment familiarization.

The team also ensures the 28 pieces of snow equipment are functioning and ready for when the weather turns cold. Much of the equipment stands idle over the spring, summer and fall months, Mr. Ballew said.

Two meetings with senior leaders are also held. During the first meeting, which takes place between April 1 and May 15, the committee discusses events and problem areas from the previous season. In September, the committee meets again to discuss potential Snow Plan changes and strategies for the upcoming season.

"There are relatively few bugs in the planning process," Mr. Ballew said. "The biggest obstacle is snow exceeding equipment and resource capability to quickly remove."

In the case of last winter when Tinker received 17 inches, it is up to the Hazardous Weather Committee to stretch capabilities and make modifications. Oftentimes, that may mean it takes longer to clear priority one areas which also affects priority two areas and priority three areas are pushed to the backburner, but Mr. Ballew said it's all in the name of the mission.