D.C. snow crews run winter drill as leaf collection season nears

The District’s snow crews spent last week rehearsing for winter, running a five-day drill that ended Friday, Oct. 16, and tested equipment, plow routes and upgraded tracking systems ahead of the 2026-27 season, the mayor’s office said.

The annual exercise, known as Snow Mobilization Week, carried extra weight this year. Last winter’s major storm left hardened, icy “snowcrete” on many streets, and some residents were stuck for weeks afterward, Axios D.C. reported.

Inside the drill

The Department of Public Works led the exercise with support from the District Department of Transportation. Crews inspected and calibrated plows and other vehicles, finished maintenance, restocked salt and brine, and reviewed routes, according to the city.

Midweek, officials ran a simulated storm based on a mock forecast prepared by the National Weather Service, adjusting deployment decisions as the scenario got worse. The week closed with a citywide dry run in which plow drivers covered their assigned routes to look for obstacles, FOX 5 DC reported.

The DC Snow Team includes more than 800 employees from several agencies. DPW said it has spent recent months upgrading technology that lets officials follow plowing progress in real time. The fleet includes 69 biodiesel-powered trucks and 22 electric pickups used by supervisors.

“We experienced a generational storm last year that showed us where we needed to improve,” DPW Interim Director Chris Rodriguez said, according to FOX 5.

What residents are expected to do

The city reminded property owners that they must clear snow and ice from sidewalks, curb ramps and curb cuts next to their property within the time limits in District law. Residents 65 and older and people with qualifying disabilities can apply for an exemption at shovelexemption.dpw.dc.gov.

Residents can also sign up through Serve DC to volunteer to shovel for neighbors who need help. During severe weather, free rides to shelters, including for people experiencing homelessness, are available through the Shelter Hotline at 202-399-7093. Plow tracking and preparedness information is posted at snow.dc.gov.

Leaf season starts Nov. 2

Before the snow, DPW will be busy with leaves. The 2026-27 leaf collection season begins Monday, Nov. 2, the department announced Oct. 19, a date also noted in The DC Line’s Oct. 19 news roundup.

Neighborhoods in all eight wards are grouped into Sections A through D, and DPW plans to visit each street it serves for trash and recycling at least twice during the season. Section A residents should rake leaves into tree boxes or along the curb by Sunday, Nov. 1. DPW said it will give about 10 days’ notice before each area’s collection window.

Residents should use paper bags only, since leaves in plastic bags are treated as trash, and keep sticks, bottles and other debris out of piles. Leaf collection may pause when crews are pulled away for snow and ice response. Schedules are available through DPW’s Leaf Tracker and the MyDPW app.

What’s next

Snow season operations begin as weather requires. Residents who miss a leaf pickup should wait seven days after collection in their section ends before reporting it through 311.