Training for snow in the pouring rain

Every fall, newly minted MnDOT snow plow drivers gather at Camp Ripley to learn the secrets of their craft.

But how can you teach snow removal without any snow?

After four hours in the pouring rain watching trainees dodge orange cones in 30-ton snow plows last week, lead trainer Brian Barrett had an answer: You can't.

There's no way to fully prepare drivers for the whiteout conditions and passing cars they'll face this winter, he said.

"Once it starts snowing, they're going to be working around the clock, 12 hours on, 12 hours off, right through the weekend for as long as it takes."

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