Winter-Related Event Reporting--Appendix A

Priority 4
CAMPAIGN messages (for Forest Fires, Drive BC website address or
ICBC, for example). Such messaging is communicated by the PHCC
manager or Ed Miska. For the Southern Interior Region’s signs, the
prevalent message will be the Drive BC website address: www.drivebc.ca
Signs in Flash
On occasion, the District staff may want signs in their area to stand out when a message is on
them. This can be done (at their request) by posting a message on the first phase of the sign and
nothing on the second.
Compact Snow & Compact Ice
When using terms “compact snow” and “compact ice” on the signs in conjunction with
other conditions, sometimes there isn’t enough room to fit all the information necessary.
At times, it can be simple to use just “compact” when indicating compact snow. This is
acceptable only when room on the signs is limited. At all other times, you must use the
full “compact snow” when you are able.
With “compact ice” there is no exception – you must use the entire phrase. If you use
only “compact” and mean it to be compact ice, it will not be understood whether or not it
is ice or snow. Because “compact” has been used with other conditions such as slushy
and slippery, it has been understood that it indicates compact snow.
Use of Fallen Rock/Wildlife/Fallen Ice
Static highway warning signs – a yellow diamond indicating fallen rock or wildlife – are
placed in very specific locations across the province. Wildlife warning signs are placed
where herd paths cross the highway and falling rock signs along bluffs and banks.
Realistically, there is no need to put “watch for fallen rock / wildlife / ice” messages on
the CMS overhead signs. PHCC operators should not be asking maintenance
contractors if they would like such a message to be displayed as it is not up to them.
Ministry district staff (Area and Operations Managers) is responsible for signage
approval for their area, and in some district may have given permission to their
contractors to put such information on the overhead signs. If road condition information
is received by the PHCC and “fallen rock”, “ice” or “wildlife” have been indicated – do
not put this messaging up on the overhead CMS signs.
Other Special Requests
District staff around the province may have special requests for messages on the overhead
signs from time to time. Some may want the signs to flash a message, and others may
want a very temporary message up in the instance of an accident. When requests such as
this are made, ensure you ask how long the messages need to be up on the signs for.
Then, communicate this information via email (TRAN SCR PHCC) to the other
operators.
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