Snow removal in Portland, Oregon

Snow removal operations by the Oregon Department of Transportation under way on the Fremont Bridge in Portland, Oregon, 2014

The American city of Portland, Oregon has a fleet of snowplows operated by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). The city has 56 snowplows, as of 2026, ten of which have been named via two contests open to submissions and voting by the public since 2024. While PBOT plows local roads, the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) plows highways in the Portland metropolitan area.[1][2]

Portland Bureau of Transportation

The city's snowplow fleet is operated by the Portland Bureau of Transportation (PBOT). 112 employees were trained as snowplow drivers in 2019.[3]

PBOT plows approximately 0.5 inches off the ground.[4] In 2017, Willamette Week said the bureau's 55 snowplows covered approximately 5,000 miles of road, averaging one snowplow for every 100 miles of roadway.[5] According to The Oregonian, "Priority goes to streets that are most critical for emergency responders, hospitals, schools and transit, as well as downtown and other business districts."[6]

Mayor Sam Adams rode with snowplow drivers during a storm in 2008.[7] The bureau provided an interactive map of the snowplows in action in 2021.[8][9] Similar maps were provided in 2024[10] and 2025.[11][12]

Fleet size and maintenance

In 2008, Michael Milstein of The Oregonian described the fleet of approximately 50 snowplows as "decades old" and said drivers "faced the snow with battered plows dating to the 1970s".[7]

Snowplows are inspected annually and expected to carry a first aid kit and a fire extinguisher, among other supplies.[13][14] Portland had between 45 and 55 snowplows in 2017. One winter storm in early 2017 prompted Seattle Department of Transportation to send 11 snowplows and 15 crew members temporarily.[15][16] News outlets reported that PBOT operated 56–57 snowplows in 2021; Jennifer Kristiansen of Willamette Week called this "relatively few".[17]

Training

Drivers are trained annually and PBOT has maintained an obstacle course for practice at northeast Portland's Sunderland Yard. In 2019, Daniel Bromfield of Willamette Week wrote, "Plow drivers relearn every October and November how to put on various chains and sanders and operate each of the three sizes of trucks used in plowing. If routes change or new roads are added in the city, they're considered in the obstacle course. The yearly event is as much about PR as training—PBOT encourages news crews to cover the course and even allows civilians to take the wheel from time to time, to encourage Portlanders to appreciate the difficulty of driving a plow and the dangers posed by a truck loaded with gravel and heavy machinery."[3] Drivers also practice by driving routes without the plows attached.[13][18]

When not using snowplows, trained drivers complete other tasks related to street maintenance such as filling potholes, maintaining gravel, and paving.[19]

Snowplow naming contests

In 2026, Taylor Griggs of the Portland Mercury wrote, "PBOT's rationale for the snow plow naming contest is quite smart. By giving the snow plows names and differentiating between them, the city is putting an end to the very false urban legend that the city of Portland only owns one plow."[20]

2024–2025 season

Finalists for the 2024–2025 naming contest included puns based on people and businesses related to Portland, Oregon, including (pictured clockwise): Beverly Cleary, Darcelle XV Showplace, Gus Van Sant, and Powell's Books.
External media
video icon PBOT unveils this year's snowplows — including 'Plowy McPlowFace' on YouTube, KGW
video icon Meet ‘Plowy McPlowface,’ one of PBOT’s newly named snowplows on YouTube, KGW
video icon PBOT unveils new names for snowplows on YouTube, KOIN
video icon PBOT unveils ‘Plowy McPlowface’, 4 other newly-named snowplows on YouTube, KPTV

In December 2024, PBOT invited the public to submit names for five of the city's 56 snowplows as part of a contest.[21] Within two weeks, 4,000 submissions yielded 3,000 unique names. The twenty finalists selected by PBOT, many of which were puns related to Portland,[22][23] were:

Some of the submissions were related to entertainment and geography; Dana Haynes of Portland Tribune described the entries as "mostly corny".[26] Submissions similar to Plowy McPlowface included Plowey McPlowfaces, Plowy McPlow Faces, Plowy McPlowfaces, and Snowy McPlowfaces. Members of the public voted for their five favorites from the finalists via an online ranked-choice ballot.[22][27] After approximately 16,000 people voted, the winners (Beverly Clear-y, The Big Leplowski, Brrrrnside, Plowy McPlowface, and Salt & Thaw) were announced in February 2025.[28][29][30]

PBOT unveiled the newly-named snowplows in October 2025, during the annual obstacle course training for drivers at Portland International Raceway.[31][32][33] Beverly Clear-y was assigned to clear Northeast 33rd Avenue, near Beverly Cleary K-8 School and the surrounding neighborhood. The Big Leplowski (also reported as The Big Snoplowski) was assigned to clear the Southwest Hills and western part of Southwest Capitol Highway. Brrrrnside was tasked with clearing West Burnside Street and Swan Island. Plowy McPlowface and Salt & Thaw were assigned to clear downtown Portland and 82nd Avenue, respectively.[34][35][36]

2025–2026 season

In 2026, two of the city's snowplows were named Damian Blizzard and Pink Pony Plow, inspired by Damian Lillard (left, pictured in 2021) of the Portland Trail Blazers and "Pink Pony Club" by Chappell Roan (right, pictured in 2025), respectively.
The name Sleeter-Kinney has been a finalist twice; the name refers to the rock band Sleater-Kinney (pictured left to right are members Carrie Brownstein and Corin Tucker performing in 2019).
External media
video icon PBOT unveils the names of their newest snow plows! on YouTube, KGW

In December 2025, PBOT invited the public to submit suggestions for the 51 unnamed snowplows, as part of a second naming contest.[37][38][39] Approximately 3,300 suggestions were submitted. PBOT and the city's Elections Office selected twenty finalists, which were announced in January 2026. The twenty finalists were grouped into six themes: "beloved institutions", "local icons", "neighborhood nods", "pop-culture fun", "spins on familiar slogans", and "flat out random".[40] Finalists included:

Voting via ranked choice ballot was open through January 25, 2026. Approximately 6,000 people cast votes to determine the winners, which were announced in February 2026. The winning submissions were Damian Blizzard, Keep Portland Cleared, Mississlippy, Pink Pony Plow, and A Sleetcar Named Deicer.[42] Five snowplow drivers helped unveil the new names.[19] Taylor Griggs of the Portland Mercury said "we wound up with references to the Blazers, Tennessee Williams, and Chappell Roan" and opined, "On second thought, I actually think those three interests go very well together, and may even sum up the Portland's vibe."[20]

Oregon Department of Transportation

Snow removal operations by the Oregon Department of Transportation on I-205 at night, 2013

The Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) plows highways in the Portland metropolitan area.

In 2022, the family of a man who died after his vehicle went off the Glenn L. Jackson Memorial Bridge carrying Interstate 205 from Portland to Vancouver, Washington, filed a wrongful death lawsuit against ODOT for improper snowplowing.[43][44][45] An investigation by KGW said ODOT "created conditions that may have contributed to the crash".[46]

See also

References

  1. ↑ "ODOT works to clear snow, downed trees across Oregon after Arctic blast". KOIN. 2024-01-14. Archived from the original on 2024-02-27. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  2. ↑ "Oregon's Winter Weather Chaos, Explained". Portland Monthly. ISSN 1546-2765. Archived from the original on 2025-07-23. Retrieved 2026-02-13. While PBOT handles local roads, ODOT pilots snowplows on highways.
  3. 1 2 "Snow Plow Operators Are the Unsung Heroes of Portland's Worst Winters. We Spoke to a Veteran Driver About the Hazards and Rewards of a Job Few People Fully Understand". Willamette Week. 2019-11-13. OCLC 54813570. Archived from the original on 2021-02-13. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  4. ↑ "Here's why PBOT doesn't use plows like other snowy states". KOIN. February 28, 2023. Archived from the original on March 15, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  5. ↑ "Are the Roads in Clackamas County Better Than Multnomah County Roads During the Snow?". Willamette Week. 2017-01-24. Archived from the original on 2017-01-25. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  6. ↑ Stein, Rosemarie (2021-12-22). "Snow's coming: Will my street or travel route get plowed in and around Portland? Here's how to find out". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2023-03-24. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  7. 1 2 Milstein, Michael (2008-12-25). "Portland snowplows hampered by age, budget and weather". The Oregonian. Oregonian Media Group. ISSN 8750-1317. OCLC 985410693. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  8. ↑ "Interactive: Track City of Portland snow plows". KOIN. 2021-01-27. Archived from the original on 2021-02-28. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  9. ↑ "Where Portland's salt trucks and snow plows are right now". KGW. 2021-02-13. Archived from the original on 2023-03-20. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  10. ↑ "Live map: Here's where Portland's snow plows are right now". KGW. 2024-01-11. Archived from the original on 2024-01-12. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  11. ↑ Fuentes, Carlos (2025-02-13). "See which Portland roads are closed or being cleared". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2025-05-26. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  12. ↑ "Where Portland's salt trucks and snow plows are working right now". KGW. 2025-02-13. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  13. 1 2 "Oregon faces snow plow driver shortage heading into winter". KGW. 2022-11-24. Archived from the original on 2022-11-30. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  14. ↑ "PBOT preps snow plows for winter season, urges public to make storm plans ahead of time". KATU. 2025-10-24. Archived from the original on 2025-10-24. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  15. ↑ June, Sophia (January 12, 2017). "Seattle Loans Us 11 Snow Plows, Increasing Portland's Fleet by 20 Percent". Willamette Week. Archived from the original on January 10, 2026. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  16. ↑ Templeton, Amelia (January 12, 2017). "Seattle Lends A Hand To Plow Portland Out". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Archived from the original on March 19, 2023. Retrieved February 12, 2026.
  17. ↑ "Hey, Midwestern Transplants: You Can't Drive in Portland Snow, Either". Willamette Week. 2021-02-12. Archived from the original on 2025-06-21. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  18. ↑ "PBOT says it's prepared for winter weather conditions on Portland roadways". KGW. 2022-10-13. Archived from the original on 2023-01-28. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  19. 1 2 Seibold, Hannah (2026-02-10). "'Mississlippy' is just one of Portland's newly named snowplows". Portland Tribune. Carpenter Media Group. OCLC 46708462. Archived from the original on 2026-02-10. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  20. 1 2 Griggs, Taylor. "Good Morning, News: Oregon Primate Center May Close Up Shop, Portland Named Its Snow Plows, and Here's the Latest Way the Trump Admin Plans to Ruin the Earth". Portland Mercury. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  21. ↑ PBOT hosts snow plow naming contest on YouTube, KPTV
  22. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Swindler, Samantha (2025-01-13). "Beverly Clear-y, Plowell's, Darcelle XV Snowplace: Here are the finalists for Portland's snowplow names". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2025-03-04. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  23. ↑ Swindler, Samantha (2025-02-03). "Portland gets its Plowy McPlowface (and four other winning snowplow names)". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  24. ↑ Wade, Kat. "Beverly Clear-y could be on the case making snow, snow, go away". UW Magazine — University of Washington Magazine. University of Washington. Archived from the original on 2025-10-17. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  25. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 "Portlanders can choose favorite snowplow names using ranked-choice voting". KATU. 2025-01-14. Archived from the original on 2025-01-17. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  26. ↑ "Plowy McPlowface? Vote to name five city of Portland snowplows". Portland Tribune. 2025-01-14. Archived from the original on 2025-12-19. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  27. ↑ "Cast your vote now to name five Portland snowplows this winter". KOIN. 2025-01-14. Archived from the original on 2025-01-23. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  28. ↑ "'The Big Leplowski' and 4 more new Portland snowplow names". KPTV. 2025-02-03. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  29. ↑ "PBOT announces top five frosty puns for snowplow names". KATU. 2025-02-04. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  30. ↑ "PBOT reveals winning snowplow names, prepares for winter weather". Portland Tribune. 2025-02-03. Archived from the original on 2025-12-19. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  31. ↑ "PBOT unveils 'Plowy McPlowface', 4 other newly-named snowplows". KPTV. 2025-10-14. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  32. ↑ "PBOT unveils snowplows at snowplow training". KGW. 2025-10-14. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  33. ↑ Corser, Bobby (2025-10-14). "Meet Beverly Clear-y and friends: Portland's newly named snowplow fleet unveiled". KATU. Archived from the original on 2025-10-24. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  34. ↑ Bourgeois, Michaela (October 14, 2025). "PBOT unveils winning snowplow names, routes ahead of winter weather". KOIN.
  35. ↑ Corser, Bobby (2025-10-14). "Meet Beverly Clear-y and friends: Portland's newly named snowplow fleet unveiled". KATU. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  36. ↑ Sterling, Sean (2025-10-17). "We're not skidding: These 5 Portland snowplow names are snow much fun". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2026-02-11. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  37. ↑ Seibold, Hannah (2025-12-19). "Want to name the next set of Portland snowplows? Here's how". Portland Tribune. Archived from the original on 2025-12-19. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  38. ↑ Sterling, Sean (2025-12-20). "Portland's punniest contest returns with a chance to leave your mark on winter". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2025-12-31. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  39. ↑ "Portland's latest winter tradition: PBOT once again asks for snowplow name suggestions". Oregon Public Broadcasting. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  40. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 Sterling, Sean (2026-01-16). "Portland is naming its snowplows and these hilarious finalists will make you laugh out loud". The Oregonian. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  41. 1 2 3 "PBOT reveals more puns as naming of frosty plow fleet continues". KATU. 2026-01-16. Archived from the original on 2026-01-17. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  42. ↑ Sterling, Sean (2026-02-11). "Portlanders voted to name the city's new snowplows, and the winners are absolutely perfect". The Oregonian. Archived from the original on 2026-02-11. Retrieved 2026-02-12.
  43. ↑ "Poor snow plowing caused deadly crash, family claims in suit". KOIN. 2022-02-16. Archived from the original on 2023-12-02. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  44. ↑ "Family of man whose car went off I-205 Bridge in 2021 snowstorm files wrongful death suit". The Columbian. 2025-09-19. Archived from the original on 2024-06-19. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  45. ↑ "'Everything they did made this bridge unsafe': Records show ODOT may have contributed to car going off bridge during snowstorm". 2021-08-05. Archived from the original on 2025-07-23. Retrieved 2026-02-13.
  46. ↑ "Family of driver who plunged into Columbia River during winter storm sues ODOT". KGW. 2022-02-14. Archived from the original on 2022-11-25. Retrieved 2026-02-13.

City of Portland, Oregon

External media

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