SNOW BEGINS TO FALL
Snow has begun to fall throughout New Albany, and city Public Works teams and Public Safety teams are continuing their efforts.
“Snowplows will continuously run until the snowfall stops,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “After the snowfall stops, crews will begin applying salt to roadways again. Please give our public safety teams and the equipment the room to do their work. Thanks to everyone in advance for your cooperation.”
🧊❄️ HOW YOU CAN PREPARE FOR THE WINTER STORM ❄️🧊
City of New Albany Public Works and Public Safety teams continue preparing for significant snowfall and wintry conditions expected later today. Crews have been pre-treating roadways with brine throughout the city in anticipation of the storm.
“The snow and ice from this storm looks like it may stick around for the next 10 days or more, so we ask everyone to please be patient with one another. Our crews will be working around the clock to restore travel throughout the City. You can help by making room for snow removal equipment, and if you’re able, take a moment to check in on your friends, family, and neighbors,” said Mayor Jeff Gahan.
Current forecasts are calling for one of the largest snowfall events we’ve seen in many years, with temperatures expected to remain below freezing for several days afterward. If this holds, snow and icy conditions could be with us for some time. Here’s how you can prepare:
🛒 Stock Up Early
Food and water for several days
Medications and baby or pet supplies
A snow shovel
Any essentials you may need if roads become impassable
🔦 Prepare for Possible Power Outages
Flashlights and extra batteries
Fully charged phones, power banks, and medical devices
A battery-powered radio, if available
🏠 At Home
Protect pipes from freezing
Keep blankets and warm clothing easily accessible
🚗 If You Must Travel
Fuel up vehicles
Keep an emergency kit in your car (blankets, flashlight, snacks)
Heavy snowfall combined with prolonged cold may make travel difficult for a period of time. Preparing now helps keep you and your family safe and comfortable.
📞 Please use the city’s non-emergency line (812-944-6411) to report downed power lines, fallen trees, low branches, abandoned vehicles in roadways, or other non-emergency winter issues. For emergencies, dial 911.
📢 Please continue to follow City channels for updates as conditions change.
WINTER STORM AHEAD
A major winter storm is expected to impact our area, with significant snowfall and the potential for some ice. Forecasts continue to evolve, but we all need to be prepared for a large amount of snow over the next few days.
HOW THE CITY IS PREPARING
Our street department, public safety, and public works teams began preparing for the major snowstorm on Wednesday. Crews have already been throughout the city pre-treating roadways. Additional public safety officers will be available throughout the storm.
“It is going to be cold and messy for the next 2 weeks,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Let’s all get ready for this winter snow storm together. Please be on the lookout for each other. We are going to get through this just fine. Try to take time and have some fun with it too!”
SNOW REMOVAL PRIORITIES
If snowfall totals are high (especially if we receive 1–2 feet of snow and temperatures remain below freezing) snow could remain on the ground for an extended period. In those conditions, crews will focus first on:
Main roads
Routes near hospitals and other essential services like groceries and pharmacies
Neighborhood and secondary streets will be addressed as conditions allow.
Please use the city’s non-emergency line (812-944-6411) to report downed power lines, fallen trees, low branches, abandoned cars in roadway, or other non-emergency winter incidents. For all emergencies, please dial 911.
We appreciate your patience as crews work around the clock to keep the community safe. Please continue to monitor City channels for updates as the storm approaches.
Late last year, the City of New Albany finalized a favorable settlement agreement with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and with cooperation with the US Army Corps of Engineers that resolved issues related to the dam and modifications that will make it more safe for people and more friendly to fish and the surrounding ecosystem. For now, the city’s work is complete.
Below is a video showing current conditions at the restored Glenwood Park Dam. The Glenwood Park Dam has stood for more than 100 years. With the City’s work now complete, Clark County–based River Heritage Conservancy is scheduled to destroy the historic dam.
Years ago, River Heritage received a permit for this action without consulting elected officials or neighbors in New Albany. River Heritage Conservancy are the creators of Origin Park, who last year received nearly $40 million in public money from the state of Indiana to build their planned Amusement Park nearby Silver Creek.
Once River Heritage destroys the dam, the City will monitor the water levels in preparation of the installation of a rock-riffle feature. Rock-riffle features are designed to significantly enhance waterway safety while creating a naturalized stream environment suitable for swimming, wading, kayaking, and fishing.
“We will continue to strengthen and protect our shoreline and other natural assets,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “These coming improvements will enhance Silver Creek safety and recreation for all.”
Settlement Acknowledges Mayor’s Actions Were Taken to Protect Public Safety
Mayor Jeff Gahan and the Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) have reached a comprehensive agreement resolving all outstanding legal matters surrounding the Glenwood Park Dam and establishing a collaborative path forward to improve safe access to Silver Creek.
“I knew from the start that we were doing the right thing to protect public safety by initiating our emergency maintenance at the historic Glenwood Park Dam, and this agreement proves it,” stated Mayor Jeff Gahan. “Now that this matter is behind us, we can focus on our new addition to Silver Creek that will improve recreation, fishing, and the ecosystem for decades to come. As this project comes to life, I can’t wait to share more with the public — you’re going to love it!”
In December of 2022, the New Albany City Council unanimously passed a resolution (9-0) asking for all parties to meet and have discussions before removal of the historic dam. The City of New Albany has tried multiple times to initiate discussions with Origin Park and River Heritage Officials to discuss these important issues, but they have declined, including repeated recent requests to do so this year.
“We have been trying for years to improve our natural waterways, and with this agreement, I can happily report that we have achieved that,” Mayor Gahan said. “I want to thank our City Council members for their continued support for our natural resources and assets.”
The agreement follows last year’s tragic drowning of a young man who became trapped in a dangerous hydraulic roller in Silver Creek, a recirculating current often formed near low-head dams. In response, Mayor Gahan ordered emergency maintenance to restore the dam to its original condition by adding shot rock to eliminate the hazardous hydraulic rollers. The action was successful and removed the immediate safety risk to swimmers and recreational users.
The Agreement acknowledged that Mayor Gahan’s emergency order was issued with the intent to protect public safety, which it did.
Conditions at Silver Creek Landing and the historic Glenwood Park Dam have changed drastically since the collapse of the Blackiston Mill Dam up creek. The failure of that dam has severely reduced the summer pool to a trickle. Now that only the Glenwood Park Dam exists, the City has been pursuing an alternative feature to support fish, wildlife, and recreation in Silver Creek, as well as support the nearly $4.5 million in infrastructure and additions at the Landing, neighborhood trails, and connections to the Ohio River Greenway.
This week, the City of New Albany and DNR finalized a global settlement regarding the Glenwood Park Dam. Under the agreement:
The City will allow ECI, when water conditions are safe to enter, to remove the Glenwood Park Dam.
The City will temporarily relocate materials from the emergency maintenance project for use in a future water feature.
The City will be filing a permit for a rock riffle (Rock Arch Rapids-style) structure like others approved throughout the State.
The City and DNR will work together in good-faith through the permitting process on the rock-riffle application for Silver Creek enhancements.
These modern features significantly increase waterway safety while creating an attractive, naturalized environment suitable for swimming, wading, kayaking, and fishing.
“We are happy that DNR has agreed to work with us as we implement a safe, attractive addition to Silver Creek,” stated Mayor Gahan.
All litigation regarding this matter will be dismissed.
Additional design work and public updates will be shared as the rock-riffle project moves into its next phase.
Official news and media releases from the City of New Albany.
