At Blackstone Management, we understand the need for fast snow removal; we have created this page to help owners, tenants, and board members understand the process.
Below, you will find tips from county and state governments on the responsibility of the Community/Property and the owners.
Most communities/Properties have public and private roads, all private streets are maintained by the community or property to find out if your street is public or private use our tool on the right-hand side of the page.
Report an Issue View Real Time Community Updates Check Weather Updates
Are the responsibility of the community (HOA) or property to remove/push snow. Each community’s snow removal plan differs on this issue. For the most part, snow will not start to be pushed until there’s accumulation of at least 3 inches on the ground.
We hope this page is helpful to you and your community/property during any snow event. To report an issue to management please use the from above. Note this is monitored even if Blackstone Management office is closed due to inclement weather.
Note: if your property is located in a umbrella/master association, snow removal responsibility falls on the sub association which governs your property.
Are maintained by the county or local government. To get a better understanding of the snow removal plan for your county you will need to check with the appropriate state/local agency.
The sidewalk in front of your home is the responsibility of the property owner, sidewalks along common areas within the neighborhood are subject to the communities’ individual snow removal policy. Please note if the sidewalk runs along a public St this would be the responsibility of the County or the individual needing to use the sidewalk.
With the potential of power outages, it is important to report the outage at your home as quickly as possible. Please use the below contact information to report any power outages
During a snow event crews usually make one pass to open up each road, the truck then comes back to widen the roads, and then the shoulders. Often in a succession of snow events crews are trying to keep just one pass available from accumulating snow throughout the city. During such an event, a snowplow may go by continuing to push snow towards the curb and unintentionally filling in the end of a freshly cleared driveway. While this can cause frustration and additional work for our residents please understand that our crews are working tirelessly trying to maintain an acceptable service level throughout the community for the safety of the traveling public.
The community will not repair or replace mailboxes damaged by force of moving snow. If a community vehicle or equipment hits a mailbox the community will take action to fix the mailbox at its earliest convenience. However the community will not replace mailboxes damaged by any other means, including from the weight of snow plowed from the roadway.
As winter weather approaches each year it is recommended to verify that your mailbox is structurally sound by shaking it.
Salt is not generally effective at temperatures below 20 degrees. The community’s policy for salt application when temperatures are favorable is:
Priority 1 & 2 streets receive salt in an application in both directions, the salt spreads to the curb line due to the crown of the road. Special attention is paid to signalized intersections and residential streets with significant hills.
Priority 3 streets may, depending on needs, receive salt in one pass down the center of the street. All intersections in residential areas receive salting as warranted by temperature.
Priority 4 alleys only receive salting as necessary for ice buildup if necessary for final cleaning.
All of community roads are broken down by priority for snow removal.
A person shall not remove, or cause to be removed, snow, ice or slush onto or across any street in a manner which obstructs the safety of the driver of a motor vehicle, other than off-road vehicles. A person shall not deposit, or cause to be deposited, snow, ice or slush on the traveled portion of any street. This includes private snow removal contractors.
Each community’s snow removal plan differs on this issue. For the most part snow will not start to be pushed until there’s accumulation of at least 3 inches on the ground.
Note: if your property is located in a master association snow removal responsibility falls on the sub association which governs your property.
Owners/Tenants, The community does not remove snow from sidewalks, but instead, concentrates on the roadways.
Note: If you are a commercial tenant the maintenance team at your property will handle the removal of snow from all sidewalks.
The vendor contracted for your community will do their best to remove as much snow from the community as possible however there may be a time that the snow piles do block visitor parking spaces. Unfortunately, this is something that we try to avoid however it will happen during large snowstorms.
The sidewalk in front of your home or adjacent to your property would be the responsibility of the property owner. Sidewalks lining common space may be maintained by the association depending upon the agreement your board has with the snow removal vendor.
Making sure your walkway and driveway are clear of snow can help keep everyone on your property safe. You don’t want anyone slipping or falling, and you don’t want cars getting stuck in the snow. Getting snow removed can help with ice formation later on when the snow starts to melt.
Jan 30, 2026 2:30 pm
We continue to see ongoing issues throughout the DMV. Take a look at this video from NBC on a community adjacent to a property we manage in Woodbridge
Who is responsible for your street?
For information on who’s responsible for maintaining your street please use the tool at the top of the page.
Jan 30, 2026 10:00 am
We are continuing to work with no removal contractors in each community, providing feedback from owners. We want to make owners aware that we are not providing this service; unfortunately, it is done by subcontractors hired by your board of directors. As such, all we can do is communicate the issues to them or try to point you in the right direction for a county issue. Please be mindful that our staff is here to help; however, we are not able to take responsibility for county-owned roads or communication with county governments.
Jan 29, 2026 4:30 pm
Crews remain active throughout the community and will continue snow and ice mitigation efforts as conditions allow. Due to the extremely low temperatures, salt and ice melt are working more slowly than normal, and some icy areas may persist despite ongoing treatment. Please use caution when walking or driving, and allow extra time for travel. We appreciate everyone’s continued patience as vendors work to improve conditions as safely and quickly as possible.
Jan 29, 2026 1:00 pm
Please take a look at the article below, taken from the Washington Post. This will give a great background and explanation as to the severity of this particular snowstorm. Even though the snow totals are not impressive, the mixture of ice, snow, and cold temperatures is what’s causing all those big problems.
Washington Post Snow article January 29th, 2026
Jan 29, 2026 8:45 am
As we go into day 5, we kindly ask residents to recognize that the crews are working under difficult and physically demanding conditions and are making every reasonable effort to complete the work as quickly and safely as possible. We sincerely appreciate your patience, understanding, and cooperation as the work continues.
Jan 28, 2026 8:00 pm
We have been in contact with all snow removal vendors, and they are continuing to work throughout communities. We have been told that they are placing the excess snow in the best locations that they can find; however, that might block sidewalks. Unfortunately, this is a necessary consequence of excessive snowfall. They’re doing their best to pick the best locations around the communities, and we appreciate everyone’s understanding as they continue their services.
Jan 28, 2026 5:00 pm
Snow Removal Update – Sidewalk Responsibilities
We have contacted all snow service providers, and crews are continuing to work diligently to address sidewalks that fall under Association responsibility. Please note that not every sidewalk within a community is maintained by the Association. In most cases, Association snow removal is limited to common-area sidewalks, and in condominium communities this may include sidewalks throughout the complex, depending on the governing documents.
For single-family home and townhouse communities, homeowners are responsible for clearing the sidewalk directly in front of their home, as well as any private driveways. Snow service providers will only service sidewalks and areas that are covered under the Association’s contract. We appreciate everyone’s cooperation and understanding as crews continue working through the remaining conditions.
Jan 28, 2026 1:30 pm
Update from Prince George’s County executive
Jan 28, 2026 11:45 am
To help avoid the “second shovel,” please shovel snow to the right side of your driveway (when facing the street). When plows come through, this helps prevent snow from being pushed back into your cleared driveway. Please refer to the infographic below for a quick visual guide.
Jan 28, 2026 10:00 am
Today marks Day Four of the snow removal process, and crews continue to actively work throughout the communities. Ice melt is being applied on association-maintained streets; however, due to extremely low temperatures, its effectiveness is limited. We understand that snow and ice remain an inconvenience, and we appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as contractors continue doing the best they can under challenging conditions.
Jan 27, 2026 7:45 pm
Snow removal operations are continuing, and crews remain actively working throughout the communities. Ice melt has been applied to all association-managed roads where service is provided; however, due to extremely low temperatures, these products may have limited effectiveness. Residents are encouraged to use caution when traveling, as icy conditions may still be present despite treatment.
Over the past several days, we’ve received a high volume of phone calls and emails from residents in communities that are maintained entirely by the county regarding snow removal. To help avoid confusion and delays, we strongly encourage all residents to use the road maintenance lookup tool on our website, which clearly shows whether your street is maintained by the county or by your community association and where questions should be directed.
As a general guideline, single-family home communities are typically county-maintained, while townhome or mixed-use communities often include a combination of association- and county-maintained areas. Because every community is different, the resources on our website provide the most accurate information specific to your address and will help you better understand who is responsible for snow removal and maintenance during winter weather events.
Jan 27, 2026 5:00 pm
Snow removal operations continue across all communities, and crews remain actively engaged following the completion of primary drive lanes. At this stage, snow removal teams are working through secondary streets, parking areas, and access points, with progress varying by location based on site conditions, parked vehicles, ice accumulation, and temperature fluctuations. While many areas have already seen noticeable improvement, some locations may require additional passes as conditions allow.
As crews complete work in secondary areas, they will continue transitioning into sidewalks, mailbox locations, and detailed clean-up items. This phase of work typically follows vehicular clearing and may extend over the next day or more depending on storm severity and safety conditions. Residents should be aware that melting during daylight hours and refreezing overnight may result in icy conditions even in areas that have been serviced, and ice melt effectiveness remains limited during extremely low temperatures.
Snow removal is a multi-step and weather-dependent process, and every storm presents unique challenges. While vendors strive to adhere to general timelines, heavy snow, ice layers, equipment limitations, and changing temperatures can affect both speed and sequencing. Some areas may require return visits to address residual snow, compacted ice, or areas obstructed by vehicles at the time of service.
Residents are also reminded that in communities or locations maintained by the county government, the Association and its snow removal vendors are unable to provide service updates or perform snow removal. Questions or concerns related to county-maintained roads and sidewalks should be directed to the county using the previously provided links and contact information.
We appreciate the continued patience and cooperation of all residents as snow removal efforts progress. Crews are working extended hours under difficult conditions, and their focus remains on safely restoring access throughout the communities. Additional updates will be shared as work continues and conditions evolve.
Jan 27, 2026 3:15 pm
Snow removal service is well underway. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as crews continue working throughout the communities. Due to the extremely heavy snow and ice, the process will take time; crews are prioritizing primary drive lanes first, followed by secondary streets, and then sidewalks and mailbox areas. Please also be mindful that in communities where roads or sidewalks are maintained by the county government, the Association and its vendors are not able to provide updates or direct service—questions, concerns, or complaints for those areas should be directed to the county using the links previously provided below.
Snow Removal Process, Timelines & Current Status Update
Sidewalks, mailbox areas, curb lines, and other detailed clean-up items are addressed after vehicular areas are substantially cleared. Under typical conditions, this work may occur up to 72 hours after the snowfall ends. However, ice accumulation, temperature fluctuations, and equipment limitations can extend this timeline. Sidewalks and mailbox areas are expected to be addressed next, as crews continue working as quickly and safely as conditions allow.
Jan 26, 2026 3:35 pm
Now that the snowstorm has ended and the cruise is well underway with the snow removal process, please be reminded that due to the low temperatures and the large amount of ice that has already accumulated, the snow removal process, unfortunately, is going very slowly. Please understand that the work crews have told us they are doing their absolute best and are working around the clock to make sure that the community sidewalks and roadways are safe. Once we have specific updates, your community information will be available via email from your Board of Directors.
Jan 26, 2026 10:00 am
Now that the storm has stopped, snow removal crews are actively working as diligently and safely as possible to clear roadways and common areas. Please keep in mind that multiple teams may be operating at the same time, including crews contracted by associations, developers, and local jurisdictions, and full clearance will take time—especially due to significant ice and slippery road conditions. Snow removal professionals are subject to the same hazardous conditions as residents and must be able to safely traverse the roads to perform their work. Association boards and management teams remain in close contact with all crews and will provide updates as information becomes available. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as snow removal operations continue.
Jan 26, 2026 8:00 am
Due to the extreme road conditions and continued inclement weather, our office will be closed today for the safety of our employees and support staff. We will be monitoring all messages sent through our website and mobile application. If you’d like to report something or have questions, please select ” Report an Issue ” at the top of the page or log in to your online Owner portal.
Jan 25, 2026 9:40 pm
Be reminded that snow removal in your community may not start until after the storm is over. This is all based on the agreement your Board of Directors made with the contractors. Sometimes the services are only done after the final snowfall to mitigate cost. Please understand that snow removal is a challenging process no matter how it’s done. The vendors are working as hard as possible to make sure the areas are cleared of snow and ice. Please be respectful of any vendor on site.
Jan 25, 2026 12:15 pm
Residents across the Capital Beltway and surrounding counties can use the official links below to track snow removal progress, view plow routes and priorities, and get real-time winter weather service updates for their specific jurisdiction.
| Jurisdiction | Snow Information Link |
|---|---|
| Washington, DC | https://snow.dc.gov |
| Charles County, MD | https://www.charlescountymd.gov/services/roads/snow-operations |
| Prince George’s County, MD | https://www.princegeorgescountymd.gov |
| Montgomery County, MD | https://www.montgomerycountymd.gov/snow |
| Calvert County, MD | https://www.calvertcountymd.gov |
| St. Mary’s County, MD | https://www.stmaryscountymd.gov |
| Anne Arundel County, MD | https://www.aacounty.org/public-works/highways/snow-removal |
| Arlington County, VA | https://www.arlingtonva.us |
| Loudoun County, VA | https://www.vdot.virginia.gov/travel-traffic/driver-safety/weather/ |
| King George County, VA | https://www.kinggeorgecountyva.gov |
For neighboring Maryland and Virginia communities not listed here, residents can usually find local snow plans and plowing updates by visiting their county or city government homepage and searching for “snow removal,” “winter storm,” or “public works snow operations.”
Jan 25, 2026 12 pm
In many areas, the sleet and ice have started. Please remember that plow trucks are not able to operate during icy conditions, and they only start plowing after 3 inches of snow has accumulated. We suggest that owners, if possible, go out during the day and remove snow from sidewalks and driveways periodically, to prevent having to move a large amount once the snow event has ended. For more information on local snow removal, please check with your county government, as the street in front of your home may be a publicly maintained street.
Hazardous winter weather continues around the Capital Beltway today, with several inches of snow already on the ground and a crust of sleet developing on top, making roads extremely slick and hard to treat effectively. Most locations from Fairfax and Alexandria through Silver Spring, College Park, and Greenbelt are seeing a transition from steady snow to periods of heavy sleet, with some pockets of freezing rain expected later this afternoon and evening, especially south and east of the Beltway. Travel on I‑495, I‑95, and major feeder routes remains dangerous, and residents should avoid nonessential trips while plows and treatment crews work to keep primary roads passable; neighborhood and community streets will likely stay snow‑ and ice‑covered through tonight. Temperatures are stuck in the 20s and will drop into the teens and single digits overnight, so anything that melts a bit during the day will quickly refreeze, keeping sidewalks, driveways, and parking areas around our communities icy well into Monday and likely for much of the coming week
Jan 25, 2026 8 am
Now that the snow has slowed in most areas, the removal process may begin. Please note that if your area has not received 3 inches or more of snow, pushing will not be able to start, as that is the minimum requirement. Please note that sidewalks and access aisles related to your individual property are your responsibility to maintain or salt. Also, if your street is publicly maintained by the county, we will not be able to plow or push snow; you would want to reach out to the county roads department for any updates on snow removal. Typically, they take up to 24 hours to start removal processes.
Jan 20, 2026 6 pm
We are continuing to monitor the possible snowstorm that may hit the region this coming weekend. Our community management team is working with partners and board members to ensure full coverage for this winter event. Additional updates will become available in the coming days.