Record Snowfall Challenges Norwegian Cities; Oslo and Bergen Take Different Approaches
Heavy snowfall is causing challenges for several Norwegian cities, with record-breaking snowfall amounts reported at eleven weather stations across the country. In Oslo, the Disen weather station registered a staggering 30 millimeters of snow in just one day. While authorities are doing their best to manage the snow removal, the immense volumes are presenting significant difficulties.
Oslo: Clearing and Storing Snow
Joakim Hjertum, a veisjef from Oslo’s Bymiljøetaten, outlined three primary methods the city employs for snow clearance:
- Clearing snow to side areas: The city’s snowplows push snow to the sides of roads and onto grassy areas to keep streets clear.
- Temporary snow storage: Some parking lots are used as temporary snow storage facilities until it can be transported to designated snow dump sites.
- Removal to snow dumps: Oslo uses snow-clearance vehicles, including the snowmelting machine ‘Terje’, to remove snow from city streets and transport it to designated snow dumps.
However, finding space to store snow, especially in heavy snowfall years, is becoming increasingly challenging. Hjertum admits that Oslo is not equipped to handle the current snow volumes and is exploring ways to expand its snow dump capacity while also focusing on local snow management to minimize environmental impact.
Bergen: Adapting to Abnormal Snowfall
In Bergen, the situation is different. Arild Gundersen, from the city’s Bymiljøetaten, confirms that the city is facing a snowfall volume not seen since 2010. While burdened with managing an immense snowfall, Bergen has adapted by packing snow down to form walls and using it for decoration rather than clearing it away.
The city acknowledges that it lacks the infrastructure to handle such heavy snowfall effectively and is exploring alternative solutions. Until then, residents can expect snow-filled streets and sidewalks, with snow management a continuous challenge for the local authorities.
As winter continues to unfold, Norwegian cities must adapt to the heavy snowfall and work together to find long-term solutions for managing the snow volumes effectively and efficiently.
