The Berm-(elim-)inator

In Tahoe, we are used to lots and lots of snow. The only things that hinder transportation are white-out conditions during blizzards and pre-plow snow depths that are higher than your axle. On highways, the plows run continuously, so snow depth is rarely a problem, but in residential neighborhoods, things can pile up. In the old days, the county plow dutifully pushed the snow into berms on each side of the road, blocking driveways. If your private plow had already plowed your driveway, or if you had no private plow, or if you really needed to get your car out, it was your task to shovel the berm... ugh. Berms are typically full of compacted snow and huge chunks of ice so the going can be tough.

But hark! Placer County, in their wisdom, has outfitted my local plow with a berm-eliminator, which I call the berm-inator. The plow is actually a big road grader, with a large blade a-midships. The berm-inator is an second blade attached to the right side of the main blade, which can be raised and lowered by the plow driver. When passing a driveway or other berm unworthy area, the driver lowers the second blade, which forms a V with the main blade, pushing the would-be berm past the driveway.

Gotta love it!