Facts from public sources, not quotes. Where these numbers come from
Grand Rapids snow piles up: about 78 inches a season and January highs near freezing. Here's what the city and NOAA say about handling it.
Get a free quote How it worksThe normal January high at the Grand Rapids airport is 31.0°F and the low 18.6°F (NOAA, 1991–2020). January averages 22.6 inches of snow and December 20.8. With highs below freezing, snow that isn't cleared packs down and lasts.
The city asks for the full width of the sidewalk, down to the concrete, within 24 hours after the snow ends.
Sidewalk Snow Support runs only on designated routes after 3 inches or more and leaves up to half an inch. Compacted snow and ice are yours.
Nov. 1 to April 1, park on the side that matches the date from 1 a.m. to 6 p.m. so plows reach the curb. The $20 ticket applies snow or not.
Kentwood asks owners to keep a path from the street to any hydrant on their property and three feet around it. It saves precious seconds in a fire.
In a 78-inch winter, snow builds up on roofs. Rake the edge from the ground and stay clear of power lines.
The median first measurable snow at the airport is November 9 (our count of 29 seasons of NOAA records). Get on a route in October.
Sources: NOAA NCEI, NOAA NCEI, City of Grand Rapids, City of Grand Rapids, City of Grand Rapids, City of Kentwood.
Lake Michigan feeds bands of heavy snow into West Michigan. On January 19, 2026, NWS Grand Rapids reported treacherous conditions west of US-131, with a 100+ car pileup on I-196 in southern Ottawa County. Check Mi Drive and the NWS forecast before a drive toward the lakeshore.
Sources: National Weather Service Grand Rapids, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).
| City | Rule | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Grand Rapids | Full width, down to the concrete, within 24 hours after snowfall ends; after a mailed notice, 48 hours before a city contractor clears it at the owner's expense | City of Grand Rapids, City of Grand Rapids |
| Kentwood | Owners clear sidewalks under the sidewalk snow removal ordinance (Sec. 34-31); see the city page | City of Kentwood |
In an HOA or condo association? Your association may clear only the common areas. Check its rules, and plan for the ridge of snow a street plow leaves at the end of your driveway.
Want help? See tools in the Ice Fighter shop, read the winter travel advisories, or let a crew do it.
