Nebraska Deicing Supply

Freeze-thaw Omaha averages about 87 freeze-thaw days a year; Lincoln about 100 (our count of NOAA daily data, 1991–2020)NOAA normal Omaha averages about 27.1 inches of snow a seasonNOAA normal Lincoln averages about 26.0 inches of snow a seasonNDOT research Nebraska DOT research found beet-juice blends effective to about 14°F in sunlightEst. contractor bulk Bulk rock salt at the yard: roughly $100–$150 a ton, depending on volume and freightEst. treated salt Pre-treated bulk salt usually runs $20–$50 a ton over plain rock saltEst. salt brine Salt brine by the gallon: roughly $0.20–$0.40, before deliveryEst. bagged rock salt Pallet of 49 × 50 lb rock salt bags: roughly $240–$330Est. ice melt pallet Pallet of 49 × 50 lb blended ice melt: roughly $430–$600Rule of thumb Plain rock salt slows way down below about 15°F pavement temperatureFall pre-buy Lock in tons and pickup or delivery before the first storm, not during itFreeze-thaw Omaha averages about 87 freeze-thaw days a year; Lincoln about 100 (our count of NOAA daily data, 1991–2020)NOAA normal Omaha averages about 27.1 inches of snow a seasonNOAA normal Lincoln averages about 26.0 inches of snow a seasonNDOT research Nebraska DOT research found beet-juice blends effective to about 14°F in sunlightEst. contractor bulk Bulk rock salt at the yard: roughly $100–$150 a ton, depending on volume and freightEst. treated salt Pre-treated bulk salt usually runs $20–$50 a ton over plain rock saltEst. salt brine Salt brine by the gallon: roughly $0.20–$0.40, before deliveryEst. bagged rock salt Pallet of 49 × 50 lb rock salt bags: roughly $240–$330Est. ice melt pallet Pallet of 49 × 50 lb blended ice melt: roughly $430–$600Rule of thumb Plain rock salt slows way down below about 15°F pavement temperatureFall pre-buy Lock in tons and pickup or delivery before the first storm, not during it

Price figures are estimates from public bids and published price lists, not quotes. Where these numbers come from

Home › Snow & Ice Guide › How a Nebraska winter unfolds

How a Nebraska winter unfolds

Omaha and Lincoln snowfall, freeze-thaw counts and the season month by month.

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A Nebraska winter swings hard: mild days, arctic outbreaks, wind-driven snow, and melt-and-refreeze all season. Here's how a typical season tends to go in Omaha and Lincoln. Any given year can differ.

Snowfall and freeze-thaw

Place	Average seasonal snowfall	Freeze-thaw days a year
Omaha	27.1 in	87.4
Lincoln	26.0 in	99.6

Snowfall: NOAA NCEI 1991–2020 normals.¹ Freeze-thaw days: our count of days with a high above 32°F and a low below 32°F in NOAA GHCN-Daily records, 1991–2020 average.²

The season, month by month

November: first freezes

Bridges and shaded drives ice up first. Calibrate, pre-buy and fill storage.

December: first real snows

Pavement is often still warm enough for brine and plain salt. Wind drifts lots after the snow stops.

January to mid-February: the deep cold

Arctic air can push pavement well below 15°F. Brine stops working; treated salt, calcium on walks and sand take over.

Late February to March: wet snows and freeze-thaw

Higher sun melts by day and refreezes by night. Watch drainage around piles.

Next in the guideStorm-readiness checklist →

Sources

Figures are quoted from the sources above. Conditions on your sites vary; follow product labels and your own calibration.

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