How DC’s Lack of Snow Infrastructure Has Led to Mountains of “Snowcrete” That Hinder Accessibility for Commuters Across the D.C.
By Josie Jackson, Impact Associate
On January 25, 2026, the DMV area saw nearly 7 inches of snow and wintry mix (FOX5). Normally, after a DC snowfall, the temperatures would soon rise back up to the 40s, and the snow would turn into slush and melt away. However, this year, the sleet packed down the previously fluffy snow, and temperatures stayed at record lows, causing the mix to compact and turn into “snowcrete.” Georgetown and other DC universities stayed closed until January 29, with professors and off-campus students unable to navigate the blocked roads and sidewalks to attend in-person classes.
The DC snow team, equipped with over 500 plows, led by the Department of Public Works, makes sure the city is safe after a snow event. They conduct a full snow response rehearsal called a “dry run” each October to ensure that they are ready for the next season (District Snow Team). While the city has resources to deal with ice and snow, the extent of this storm exceeded the capabilities of the snow team and caused accessibility issues.
As plows finally came through, select lanes and sidewalks were navigable; however, the mountains of snow and ice pushed out of the roads blocked crosswalks, creating a barrier at nearly every corner in the city. The cold air didn’t let these “snowcrete mountains” melt, and even weeks after snowfall, the city was an obstacle course that proved difficult for able-bodied commuters. The blocks of ice on the crosswalks were insurmountable for physically disabled residents. They had to find alternate, longer routes with clear crosswalks, or they weren’t able to leave their houses since it happened (Washington Post). Also, simply walking on the snowcrete was dangerous, creating dangerous slipping hazards on sidewalks.
For disabled people, the snowstorm was isolating. Whether permanently or temporarily disabled, on wheelchairs or crutches, the streets were inaccessible. Most wheeled mobility device users report that the ice and snow hinder the grip of their tires, and ramps are hard to ascend (American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine). One Hyattsville, MD resident interviewed by the Washington Post could not even make it out of her apartment building to go to work (Washington Post). Even after the sidewalks had paths shoveled, they could fit only one person at a time, and for wheelchair users, their wheels couldn’t fit between the narrow paths (Washington Post).
Even for able-bodied people, the storm was frustrating. DC is an active city, and on any given day, runners utilize the many routes throughout the region. However, these trails were iced over for weeks, limiting the accessibility of physical activity for many residents, especially as commutes to gyms were hindered. The disruption of routine and physical health was tough on mental health for many active citizens. Many runners and residents report losing motivation because of the difficulty of dodging ice and snow on sidewalks.
The snow will melt, but the accessibility issues will remain, especially for physically disabled residents. For wheeled mobility device users across the US, winter is viewed as the inaccessible season because of snow and ice, health issues, or lack of cleared routes (Occupational Therapy in Healthcare). Even if DC isn’t the snowiest part of the country, winter accessibility issues prevail.
