Snowfall forecast is made through radar observation of snow clouds and analysis of real-time data on snow cloud movement, snowfall intensity, and snow cover gathered by telemeters. The daily snow-melting capacity is approximately 10,000 m3, equivalent the amount of snow transported by 720 dump trucks. This facility screens out trash and impurities from disposed snow and sends the water to rivers. Flanked by snow-removal depots, the Road Information Center is equipped with terminals to provide images of mountain passes taken by ITV cameras and traffic information not only of Sapporo, but also of Hokkaido.
Drivers can access road information through the touchpanel-based terminal device and the Internet.
The snow-flowing gutter is a measure unique to Japan. This system employs a water channel buried at the roadside, into which water is channeled from a river and a sewage treatment plant and into which nearby residents throw snow. The flow transports the disposed snow to the river. The Traffic Control Center, Hokkaido Prefectural Police, monitors road traffic for 24 hours to collect and provide traffic information to secure smooth traffic flow. Such information is collected by vehicle detectors and ITV cameras installed at many sites in the city, as well as by patrol cars and helicopters.