---
title: How to Choose Product Based on Storm Conditions
description: Resources for weather conditions, when to use deicing and anti-icing products and Ice Slicer's benefits.
image: https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hubfs/Blog%20Files/Ice%20Slicer%20-%20Redmond%20guest%20blogs/Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm-03.png
---

[![1600x600_ESI_New_Logo](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/1600x600_ESI_New_Logo.png?width=1600&name=1600x600_ESI_New_Logo.png "1600x600_ESI_New_Logo")](http://envirotechservices.com/)

**LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR  
DEICING AND ANTI-ICING SERVICES.**  
[Request An Evaluation Today](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/deicing-anti-icing-solutions-for-icy-roads)[»](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/deicing-anti-icing-solutions-for-icy-roads)

# EnviroTech Journal

**Check out all the latest industry tips and tricks coming straight to you from   
the experts at EnviroTech Services.**

# How to Choose Product Based on Storm Conditions

Posted by [Guest Blogger Brooke Loeffler](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/author/guest-blogger-brooke-loeffler) on 2.14.2022

- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)

![Choosing product based on storm-03](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Files/Ice%20Slicer%20-%20Redmond%20guest%20blogs/Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm-03.png?width=600&name=Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm-03.png)

Winter storms take on a variety of different forms. Whether it’s ice storms, thick powder, slush, blinding blizzards, or a mix of conditions, our goal must be the same...clear roads fast. However, not all deicers are effective in all storm scenarios. Let’s talk about how to choose a road treatment product based on storm conditions.

## Step 1: Use Reliable Weather Forecasting

According to the [Western Transportation Institute (WTI)](https://westerntransportationinstitute.org/research_projects/revised-chapter-8-winter-operations-and-salt-sand-and-chemical-management-of-final-report-on-nchrp-25-25-004/), snow fighting crews using reliable weather forecasting experience:

- More efficient use of manhours (less overtime, shorter work cycles)
- More timely snow fighting response (including pre-treatments)
- More responsible deicer product usage (which is better for drivers, budgets, the environment, and infrastructure)

There are a lot of weather forecasting apps out there, and the best of them rely on data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). NOAA’s [Weather Prediction Center](https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=ovw) has a selection of [forecast tools](https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/#page=tls) snow crews can use to see what they are up against and plan their response. 

## Step 2: Combine Weather and Road Data

Atmospheric data is only a piece of the puzzle. Effective snow fighting responses need an understanding of both weather and road conditions. Data from a [Road Weather Information System (RWIS)](https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/weather/faq.htm) can help crews read “real-time” conditions on the ground. RWIS is a centralized hub that collects road sensor readings. This data is combined with weather data to create a “nowcast” of conditions in a specified area. According to WTI: “the use of RWIS technologies can improve the efficiency and effectiveness as well as reduce the costs of highway winter maintenance practices.” Click [here](https://blog.iceslicer.com/road-surface-temperature-sensors) to learn more about road surface sensors from our partners at Ice Slicer®.

### *What near real time environmental data do you need?*

- Air temperatures
- Wind speed and direction
- Precipitation type and amount
- Pavement temperatures
- Bridge temperatures
- Pavement conditions
- Micro-climate data (large water sources near roads, road elevations, perma-shade, snow fence locations)

## Step 3: Select The Best Road Treatments

When it comes to choosing a road treatment, it is important to plan and not just react. Here are some general guidelines to consider when choosing which treatment to use.

*\*Note: Road aggregates like sand and gravel are not deicers or anti-icers. They don’t lower the freezing temperature of ice and snow and are not included in the following content.*

*![Choosing product based on storm-02](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Files/Ice%20Slicer%20-%20Redmond%20guest%20blogs/Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm-02.png?width=800&name=Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm-02.png)*

### *Anti-icing/Pre-treatments*

If you follow reliable storm forecasts, crews can deploy before snow even begins to fly. A pre-treatment of liquid anti-icers or light applications of solid deicers can effectively prevent snow from bonding to the pavement to begin with.

**When to use:**

- Before any and all ice storms
- Before snow storms at night
- Before snow storms predicting heavy precipitation rates

### *Temperature Ranges*

Not all deicing ingredients can work efficiently at all temperatures. Remember, air temperatures and pavement temperatures differ most of the time; it is important to take both into consideration.

**Over 20° F:**

- Anti-icers or solid deicers that contain sodium chloride, potassium chloride, calcium chloride, or magnesium chloride

**Under 20° F:**

- Anti-icers or solid deicers that contain calcium chloride and/or magnesium chloride

**Variable Temperatures:** (when storm temps fluctuate above and below 20° F)

- Anti-icers or solid deicers that contain [complex chlorides](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/what-are-complex-chlorides-and-why-do-they-matter) so they don’t lose efficiency as temperatures rise or fall

### *Heavy Snowfall*

**For storms with heavy snow precipitation rates:**

- Use solid, granular deicers with variable gradation (containing some granules large enough to penetrate to the road surface and begin brining)
- Do not use lightweight, round pellets that have a hard time penetrating to road surfaces
- Do not use liquid anti-icing treatments after heavy snow accumulates

### *Windy Conditions*

Applying certain road treatments during high winds is counterproductive. Driving winds can prevent some products from reaching the road before they can start working.

**High Wind Tips:**

- Use pre-wet granular deicers to reduce product waste during high winds
- Do not use liquid anti-icing treatments during high winds
- Do not use round pellet deicers that are already prone to bouncing and scattering off road surface

## Ice Slicer®: For All Storm Conditions

Fortunately, EnviroTech offers a versatile deicer treatment, naturally endowed with high performance under all types of storm conditions.

[![Choosing product based on storm ESI-04](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Blog%20Files/Ice%20Slicer%20-%20Redmond%20guest%20blogs/Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm%20ESI-04.png?width=800&name=Choosing%20product%20based%20on%20storm%20ESI-04.png)](https://envirotechservices.com/products/anti-icing-deicing/bulk-granular-products/)

Ice Slicer® is harvested from an ancient mineral deposit in central Utah, and contains a powerful blend of complex chlorides and over 60 trace minerals.

- A Variety of granule sizes: perfect for a range of light to heavy snowfall rates
- Complex chlorides: naturally occurring sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium chloride to perform above and below 20° F
- Coarse grain texture to reduce bounce and scatter
- Effective as both a pre-storm treatment and after snow accumulates
- Restores road traction quickly in snow or ice storm conditions

For more information on how EnviroTech Services, Inc. can assist you with your winter programs, contact us at 800-369-3878.

 Topics: [Deicing Products](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/deicing-products), [Deicing & Anti-Icing](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/deicing-anti-icing), [Transportation](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/transportation), [Safety](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/safety), [Ice Slicer](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/ice-slicer)

### Recent Posts

### Posts by Topic

- [Environmental (76)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/environmental)
- [Deicing & Anti-Icing (64)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/deicing-anti-icing)
- [PeopleHelpingPeople (54)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/peoplehelpingpeople)
- [Dust Control & Soil Stabilization (48)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/dust-control-soil-stabilization)
- [Road Maintenance (37)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/road-maintenance)
- [Safety (35)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/safety)
- [Industrial/Commercial (30)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/industrial-commercial)
- [Water Conservation (29)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/water-conservation)
- [Agriculture (27)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/agriculture)
- [Trucking Operations (27)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/trucking-operations)
- [Transportation (23)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/transportation)
- [Government Markets (21)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/government-markets)
- [Mining Services (18)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/mining-services)
- [Ice Slicer (14)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/ice-slicer)
- [Corrosion Control (13)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/corrosion-control)
- [Oil & Gas (11)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/oil-gas)
- [Deicing Products (10)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/deicing-products)
- [Compact & Cap (7)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/compact-cap)
- [Blog (6)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/blog)
- [Career at ESI (5)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/career-at-esi)
- [Erosion Control (5)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/erosion-control)
- [Bio Tire Ballast (4)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/bio-tire-ballast)
- [Air Quality (3)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/air-quality)
- [Experience (3)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/experience)
- [Internship (3)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/internship)
- [Off Season (2)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/off-season)
- [samsara (2)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/samsara)
- [AMP (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/amp)
- [Acquisitions (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/acquisitions)
- [BallastSeal (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/ballastseal)
- [Hallett Dock 8 (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/hallett-dock-8)
- [Snowfighters (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/snowfighters)
- [Snowpushers (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/snowpushers)
- [Transloading (1)](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/blog/topic/transloading)

see all

### Follow Us

**[![facebook-color](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Branding%20and%20Logos/facebook-color.png?width=25&name=facebook-color.png)](https://www.facebook.com/EnviroTechServices/)**

**[![linkedin.icon1](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/linkedin.icon1.png?width=25&name=linkedin.icon1.png)](https://www.linkedin.com/company/envirotech-services-inc./?viewAsMember=true)**

**[![twitter-color](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Branding%20and%20Logos/twitter-color.png?width=25&name=twitter-color.png)](https://twitter.com/envirotechsvcs)**

**[![instagram-color](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Branding%20and%20Logos/instagram-color.png?width=25&name=instagram-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/envirotech_services/)**

**[![youtube-color](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/Branding%20and%20Logos/youtube-color.png?width=25&name=youtube-color.png)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZhrP-qsiws)**

 

| ![logo](https://hs.envirotechservices.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/landing_page_artwork/logo.png?width=79&name=logo.png) | ###### Copyright 2025. EnviroTech Services. All Rights Reserved. |
| --- | --- |