Quick Links for Snow Information

Planning for Snow Removal	Prioritization of Roadways for Snow Removal	Frequently Asked Questions
What to Expect Prior to and During the Storm	Snow Removal Districts and Available Equipment	De-icing Products Used
After the Storm	Potholes in the Pavement	Automated Vehicle Locator System (AVL)
Who is Responsible for Which Roads	Cost of Snow and Ice Removal	Contracted Assistance

 

Planning for Snow Removal - Each Storm Calls for a Unique Approach

Because every snowstorm has varying characteristics – temperature, moisture content, wind velocity and storm duration – The Department of Public Works Operations (PW Ops) develops a snow removal plan unique to the individual storm, with the primary focus on public safety.

In the case of major blizzards, the Department of Public Works Operation’s team will secure its plan and place that information on the home page of the Douglas County website. That information is updated as necessary to keep the website current with changing conditions.

The planning effort for a snowstorm engages as soon as forecasts from the National Weather Service and Skyview Weather of impending weather are received. The snow forecasts are continually monitored to determine the anticipated arrival, snow accumulation, intensity and temperatures.

The plan includes:

• Number of snowplows and personnel required:
  The number of personnel and type of snow removal equipment are determined based upon the anticipated strength of the storm. Personnel from PW Ops and other County departments are deployed when snow starts falling.
  
  
• Number of shifts and length of shifts for drivers:
  Snow removal personnel are notified of anticipated start times based upon available weather data. Douglas County typically assigns personnel to 12-hour shifts with the major workforce deployed during the daylight hours to assist rush-hour traffic. A limited number of units are deployed during evening hours to continue widening operations and to respond to requests for emergency assistance. If you have an emergency during a snowstorm, call 911 for assistance.
  
  
• Determining what products are most appropriate for the road surfaces:
  Douglas County utilizes both liquid and granular de-icing products depending upon the location of the roadway, temperature of the pavement and potential for re-freezing. Liquid anti-icing products are sometimes applied to arterial roadways (major roadways) prior to snowstorms; when temperatures are appropriate, to minimize bonding of snow to pavement surfaces. Abrasive materials containing a blend of salt and sand are often applied to roadways to provide traction at curves, hills and intersections. An alternate granular product called “Ice Slicer,” is used in areas to address icy conditions.

Cost of Snow and Ice Removal

Planning for snow and ice removal begins with annual budgeting for this important public safety service. The average cost per winter season - to manage snow and ice - is about $3.1 million. This includes personnel, equipment, de-icing products and fuel. This overall cost equates to approximately $50.00 per household, per year, for unincorporated Douglas County households (cities and towns excluded) or, on average, $1.70 per household, per storm.

Prioritization of Roadways for Snow Removal

There are some aspects of snowstorm planning that are consistently followed. County-maintained roads are plowed based on the following prioritization criteria:

Priority 1

• Arterial roadways are always addressed first: Arterial roadways are major roadways having high traffic volumes and high operating speeds. Those roadways providing critical access links within the County and the majority of the County’s snow removal equipment is needed to keep arterial roadways safe for travel. Arterial roadways are the top priority to ensure accessibility for emergency vehicles, to provide adequate width for vehicle lanes and breakdown areas, and to minimize surface icing. Because arterials are critical to the transportation and emergency needs of the County, snow removal equipment will remain on arterial roadways until the snow storm dissipates.
  
  There are 637 lane miles of arterial roadways that comprise the top priority of the County’s snow removal network. The County’s snow removal network and priority schedule can be viewed at the map below.

Priority 2

• Collector roadways/school bus routes: Once snowfall subsides and arterial roadways have been safely cleared, equipment is then deployed to plow collector roadways and school bus routes. Collector roadways distribute traffic between arterial roadways and residential streets and often serve as links between subdivisions. Collector roadways normally do not provide direct access to private property.
  
  

Priority 3

• Local streets and cul-de-sacs: Local streets and cul-de-sacs provide for low to moderate traffic volumes within subdivisions and provide direct access to residences or private property. Plowing of local streets and cul-de-sacs is typically addressed after arterial and collector roadways have been cleared. All local streets and cul-de-sacs are plowed during every storm unless accumulations are minor and are expected to melt the following day.

Additional Snow Removal Information

There are many roads running through Douglas County – who is responsible for which roads?

Douglas County is responsible for the maintenance of approximately 2,345 lane miles of roads in unincorporated areas of the County. Of these roads, approximately 1,745 lane miles are paved and 600 lane miles are gravel.

Roads within incorporated municipalities, are maintained by the respective municipality. Links to the municipalities are provided below for your convenience.

Aurora »
Castle Pines »
Castle Rock »
Larkspur »
Lone Tree »
Parker »

In addition, there are many roads within the County that are privately maintained.

Seven major state highways pass through Douglas County and are maintained by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) Those highways are:

• Interstate 25
• C-470; Highway 86
• Highway 85; Highway 83
• a portion of Highway 67 from Highway 85 to Rampart Range Road
• portion of Highway 105 from Highway 67 to Wolfensberger Road
• E-470 is maintained by the E-470 Highway Authority.

De-icing products used

Douglas County uses three primary de-icing products:

• a liquid de-icer comprised of magnesium chloride with an agricultural by-product
• a proprietary granular de-icing product called Iceslicer that is used to melt snow pack while leaving little residual material to sweep
• and a combination of salt and sand that provides melting capability and abrasives for traction. Douglas County uses street sweepers to remove sand from arterial roadways after each snow event in order to comply with Denver Metro air particulate commitments and to provide a safe environment for bicyclists.

What to expect prior to and during the storm

Subdivision streets are not plowed if parked vehicles or other obstructions interfere with the safe and continuous operation of snow removal equipment. Equipment may return to plow after obstructions are moved. Residents are advised to move vehicles off the street if a snowstorm is forecast to allow safe access by snowplows.

During heavy snow storms, plows will often clear lanes simultaneously.

Multiple snowplows often plow together to remove snow from multi-lane streets. This results in a more efficient operation and eliminates piles of snow in the roadway that may become obstructions to vehicles. When you see this process in action, please give equipment adequate room to operate. Do not drive within a snowplow operator’s blind spot as he/she is not able to see you. For personal safety, never pass a snow plow that is engaged in snow removal. Snow and ice that comes off the plow blade can damage your vehicle or greatly obstruct your vision.

Douglas County clears all roadways according to priority until conditions are safe for travel. Cul-de-sacs and some local streets may not be plowed if accumulations are minor and snow is expected to melt over the following 24 hours. Exceptions to this are made if the streets have hills or curves that may become icy and hazardous to traffic.

What to expect after the storm

Depending upon temperatures, wind velocities and the extent of snow melt, crews may have to widen travel lanes, remove ice, and perform other operations for up to several days after a snow event. Snow from adjacent properties can melt and re-freeze overnight, creating ice buildup on the street. To report ice buildup on a street, please call 303.660.7480 or fill out an online request.

Potholes in pavement

Freeze/thaw effects on pavement can rapidly form potholes. Crews are dispatched as quickly as possible to repair potholes that create a hazardous condition or create the potential for vehicle damage. Please report potholes by calling 303.660.7480, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. or fill out online request.

Snow Removal Districts and Available Equipment

PW Ops has five snow removal districts located geographically throughout the County. Each district has assigned personnel and equipment with responsibility for the roads within that particular district. Douglas County snowplow units are white with the Douglas County logo. Motorgraders are yellow with the Douglas County logo.

Snow Removal District Map / Equipment Available
A map of the five snow removal districts and a list of snow removal equipment available within those districts.

Automated Vehicle Locator (AVL) System

Douglas County has implemented an AVL system to assist in snow removal operations. The AVL system will be used as a management tool that tracks vehicles to assist with operator safety, equipment accountability and storm management. This system allows management staff to view the progress of snow removal operations during storms and can be monitored from Douglas County Emergency Operations Center, the PW Ops Facility, or from supervisory vehicles. Based upon information from the AVL system, supervisory staff can move resources to meet changing weather conditions or can move resources from one snow removal district to another to maximize productivity and efficiency. This system also enables the most efficient use of equipment when assisting emergency services (ambulances, fire equipment, and law enforcement) during blizzards.

Contracted Assistance

During major snowstorms like those in 2006-2007, contractors were heavily utilized throughout the County to assist Public Works Operations personnel. Those contractors supplemented County operations with front-end loaders and motorgraders on residential streets to assist in clearing ice and snow pack. The County maintains a list of qualified contractors and incorporates them into the snow removal operation plan when necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions regarding Snow and Ice Removal

Why doesn't the County plow my street when they go by?

Routes are plowed on a priority basis with arterial roadways, collector roadways and school routes being top priorities. Clearing those roadways first enables emergency services to gain access into all residential areas normally with a few blocks of each residence.

Are cul-de-sacs plowed after every storm?

Local streets and cul-de-sacs are plowed after every storm unless the snow is expected to melt over the following 24 hours. An exception is made if the street has hills and curves that could become hazardous to motorists.

Who is responsible for clearing sidewalks?

Residents are responsible for clearing driveways and sidewalks within 24 hours after a snowstorm to allow safe use by pedestrians. This is particularly important along school pedestrian routes to prevent children from having to walk in the street. It is required that owners place snow from their driveways and sidewalks onto their front yard and not into the street. This practice reduces the number of icy areas on streets and ensures proper drainage flow into the storm sewer. In addition, your lawn can use the available moisture over the winter.

After the storm, the snowplow came through and pushed snow back into my driveway entrance.

Cleanup and widening operations often take place one to four days after the snowstorm, depending upon the severity of the storm and wind conditions. It is often necessary to widen roads to ensure that ice and snow melts from the pavement surface. Unfortunately, subsequent widening operations may push snow back onto sidewalks and driveways.

What if I have an emergency and my street isn't plowed?

If an emergency situation occurs, call 911. Equipment will be diverted for emergencies ONLY WHEN REQUESTED BY AN EMERGENCY SERVICE AGENCY OR THE DOUGLAS COUNTY SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT. The Sheriff's Department is in constant communication with PW Ops personnel during snow events so snow removal equipment can be detoured to assist emergency services. It should be noted that it is a crime to make a false emergency request.

Who is responsible for damaged mailboxes?

Mailboxes installed along roadways are at the risk of the owner. Mailboxes damaged from lack of owner maintenance, weight of snow from plowing, or vandalism is not the responsibility of the County. Postal regulations require residents to clean snow from in front of mailboxes to allow for mail delivery. Douglas County encourages the clustering of individual mailboxes to minimize potential damage during snowstorms and to increase efficiency of mail delivery. To learn more about mailbox clustering, please call 303.660.7480.