Definition
A NOTAM contraction indicating that a runway, taxiway, or other movement area has been cleared of snow by mechanical plowing, with the snow pushed to the sides rather than removed entirely.
Plain English
Snow has been pushed off the surface using a plow. The pavement is cleared, but piles or banks of snow may remain along the edges.
Context Anchor
Seen in NOTAMs and airport condition information during or after snow removal.
Derivation
From the farming tool that pushes soil aside to clear a path. The same idea applies on an airfield — pushing snow aside to expose the surface underneath.
Why Pilots Care
Tells the pilot whether the runway is usable after snow removal, directly affecting takeoff and landing decisions.
Intuition Check
Do not assume PLW means the surface is completely bare, dry, or normal. It only means plowing has occurred or is being referenced.
Example Sentence 1
The NOTAM read 'RWY 14 PLW,' indicating the runway had been plowed but might still have patches of compacted snow.
Example Sentence 2
Pilots checked the latest PLW NOTAM before taxiing out on the freshly cleared taxiway.