This also made its way to CBC's website, where there is now considerable debate as to whether trains can derail because of snow. Some, including me, say yes, that's why they have flangers and people with picks and shovels. Others argue that trains are too heavy to be derailed by snow, and crossings can't get clogged because the trains will keep them clear. one 37-year railroad veteran says that he's only seen a flangeway cleared manually once, and that's after snow and freezing rain.
