According to the National Weather Service, a change in the weather is expected for this evening and into the weekend bringing snow to mountain communities like Steamboat Springs. The City of Steamboat Springs would like to thank and remind residents, property-owners and visitors for assisting with snow plow operations in the following ways:
- No overnight parking on city streets from November 1 to May 1.
- Residents are responsible for maintaining their own driveways, parking areas and sidewalks.
- It is a violation to push, place or put snow into public streets. This activity creates a larger windrow for your neighbor when the streets are plowed.
- Do not put snow onto fire hydrants.
- Private plowing - property owners should be aware that the placing, dumping or pushing of snow onto city streets, handicapped parking areas or adjacent properties is prohibited.
- Adjacent property owners/tenants are responsible for the proper same-day removal of snow from sidewalks without depositing snow in city streets.
- The city’s snow storage exists in the right-of-way, along residential streets and is typically 10 to 15 feet from the edge of the pavement. City plows use this location to deposit snow from plowing.
- Ensure kids’ snow caves or forts are built a safe distance from the city right-of-way and be mindful of snow loads on roofs.
- Take it slow and give plows space to maneuver-they can’t stop or turn as easily as most vehicles.
As a reminder, the city’s first priority when performing snow management operations is to keep city streets clear of snow for emergency access and traffic flow. Streets are prioritized according to public safety requirements and traffic volumes, with a focus on access for emergency vehicles, bus and commercial routes, and then residential areas. By using a motor grader led system, crews are able to widen roads more efficiently, remove more snow from the street, and provide a safer overall operation.
The grader process can result in the creation of windrow, which is a pile of snow left at the bottom of a driveway after the road has been cleared. While crews make a conscious effort to minimize effects on residents, windrows are often unavoidable especially during variable conditions and periods of heavy or extended snow. As a way to help mitigate windrows, residents can create an open area to the left of their driveway when facing the street. By creating this open area, the amount of snow that may be pushed back across your entry way can be reduced.
When the snow stops, the focus shifts from plowing to removing snow from storage areas around the city. At this time, snow banks along street right-of-way are topped by a grader moving banks back, allowing room for the next round of snow. In Old Town, a powerful snow blower, able to fill a dump truck in around 15 seconds, removes snow and pushes banks back to the edge of the road where possible.
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Contact Information:
David Van Winkle, Streets Superintendent – (970) 879-1807 or dvanwinkle@steamboatsprings.net
Tom Martindale, Streets Supervisor – (970) 879-1807 or tmartindale@steamboatsprings.net