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Snow Removal

University Park averages 37 inches of snow per year. Whenever a snow event begins, snow removal starts the same day. OPP's Snow Removal crew is responsible for:

  • 11,000+ exterior doors
  • 19,000 parking spaces (15,000 surface)
  • 300 fire hydrants and 650 hose connections
  • 52 miles of paved roads and 84 miles of paved walkways

When possible, snow will not be permitted to cover transportation or parking surfaces longer than noon of the day after the snow stops. Priority during snow events is given to transportation routes, fire hydrants and accessible routes. High winter use bike racks are cleared as a second priority. The snow removal crew aims for optimal conditions by 7 a.m.

Gallery: 
  • Snow brush cleans sidewalk near the BJC.
    A member of the snow removal crew clears a sidewalk outside the Bryce Jordan Center.
  • Snow brush cleans sidewalk along Pollock Rd.
    There are 77 miles of paved walkways on the University Park campus to be cleared during a snow event.
  • An OPP employee shovels snow
    There are more than 11,000 exterior doors that must be cleared during a snow event.
  • An OPP employee uses a snowblower
    A variety of tools are used to clear snow, including snowblowers.
  • Snow brush cleans sidewalk near Old Main
    Snow removal is completed by 13 teams zoned geographically across campus.
  • Beaver Stadium in a snowstorm
    Beaver Stadium has been blanketed by an early snowstorm during football season a few times through the years.
  • Crews work to clear Beaver Stadium of snow.
    It takes more than 220 crew members to clean snow from the seats and aisleways at the stadium.
  • Crews used snowblowers to clear the field of snow.
    Crews use snowblowers, shovels, ice buckets and Ice Melt to prepare the stadium for fans if it snows prior to a game.
  • A snowbrush is used to clean sidewalks
    Keeping sidewalks clear during winter weather events is a high priority for crews.
  • A clear sidewalk after a snowstorm
    Keeping sidewalks clear helps faculty, staff and students safely navigate campus.
  • Heavy snow blankets tree branches
    Heavy snow sometimes blankets trees and shrubs weighing down the branches.
  • Old Main in the snow
    Old Main looks beautiful during every season.
  • Crew member clears snow outside the Hintz Family Alumni Center.
    Crew members use a variety of tools, including snowblowers, to help clean sidewalks.
  • Allen Street mall looking toward library at night in the snow.
    The view of the Penn State Libraries from the Allen Street Mall during the first snow of the 2017 fall semester.
  • Snow brush cleans sidewalk
    An OPP crew member uses a vehicle equipped with a snow brush to clear sidewalks overnight during the first snow of the 2017 fall semester.
  • Old Main in the snow
    Old Main following an early February snow storm.