MANKATO, Minn. -

Roads, driveways, and sidewalks were covered with 3 to 8 inches of snow depending on where you are in our viewing area. It was the biggest single snowfall event we have had so far this winter or last winter.

Which meant the serene sound of winter was re–mixed with shovels, snow blowers, and plows.

Mankato Resident John Petering says, "This is the first time I've actually had to shovel the whole driveway to get my truck out. Learning the side shovel waltz is just part of it."

Each snowfall—an intricate dance with Mother Nature, of accumulation and removal.

Petering says, "Sliding and scrapping works very well."

The blanket of white that fell over night might have looked a bit daunting.

Resident Jared Roberts says, "I looked out and I'm like wow there is a lot of snow out there compared to yesterday."

But for both shovel–ers and snow plows, it wasn't as bad as it seemed.

Mankato Streets Superintendent Jim Braunshausen says, "This is one of the easiest snows we have moved so far this season, it is the heaviest one we have had but it's light, it's dry it's just easier on equipment."

While most people were just starting to dig out, Mankato Public Works had been at it for awhile.

Mankato Public Works Director Mark Knoff says, "We need to do in order to get traffic flowing a little better."

Plows went out at 4 AM to start tackling the hills and major roads, then moved on to residential areas around 9:30 once the snow had basically passed.

Knoff says, "If we left too early we would have to make a second pass through the residential areas."

For residents, removing snow takes time, for the city it takes money, so the more efficient they are, the better the budget will look.

Knoff says, "We are trying to provide a good service but in the most cost efficient manner that we can."

The city says so far their snow removal budget is below target for a normal year and they haven't had to call a snow emergency, but they will continue to follow Mother natures lead.

Petering says, "It adds up."