At What Temperature Does Rock Salt Stop Working In Michigan?

Temperatures are well below freezing this week in Michigan.

The first big winter storm in Michigan arrived over the weekend and temperatures have dropped quite a bit since last week. With temperatures below freezing and dipping below zero at times overnight, will that make it difficult to clear ice from the roads and sidewalks?

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People driving in Michigan during winter always have to check the weather and temperatures. When it gets around 32 degrees Fahrenheit, things can get tricky because that's when water freezes.

SEE ALSO: Five Reasons You Shouldn't Shovel Your Snow This Winter

For the most part, rock salt is the best line of defense to keep the roadways clear of ice. However, when temperatures drop too much, the effectiveness of rock salt also drops.

When does rock salt stop working?

Technically, rock salt will work up until the temperature reaches -6 degrees Fahrenheit. However, as it gets colder, the ability of the salt to melt the ice also diminishes. When it comes to salting the roads, the term "practical working temperature" comes into play. The "practical working temperature" is considered to be anything warmer than 15-20 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rock Salt Effectiveness VS. Temperature

When it's 30 degrees or above, one pound of rock salt can melt about 46 pounds of ice. But if it's just 1 degree, that same pound of salt can only melt around four pounds of ice. So, even if you spot salt trucks in very cold weather, the roads might still be icy. Stay cautious on the roads.

With temperatures expected to be in the teens all this week throughout Michigan, be sure to use a little extra caution as the rock salt may not be as effective as we hope it will be.

Source: Cargill.com