Boulder Prepares For Snowstorm: What To Know

BOULDER, CO — The city of Boulder released its plans Thursday for winter storm preparations and a set of guidelines for residents.

As in previous years, the city will prioritize moving snow from emergency routes, major streets, access to hospitals, schools, transit and critical infrastructure, neighborhood streets with steep slopes and the city’s multi-use path system for walking and bicycling, the city said.

"The city’s snow-clearing team is not currently resourced to actively plow every residential roadway in the city when it snows," the city said in a news release.

"However, since this storm may bring significant, potentially record-breaking, amounts of snow, the city is pulling together additional resources to include residential streets in the post-storm clean-up effort, after priority routes have been completed. This will likely not start for a day or two after the storm departs. The goal of this service will be to make one passable lane on residential streets in an effort to lessen impacts to on-street parking."

The city also issued the following guidelines for residents:

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• Snow and ice can make it difficult to get around. If possible, run errands earlier in the week or schedule for the future to avoid traveling during the heaviest snow. If you can, plan to stay home during the brunt of the storm over the weekend.
• It may be necessary to shovel multiple times throughout the storm. When possible, snow should be placed in yards and landscaped areas, not streets or alleys, so it does not have to be moved by plows. Help neighbors if you can and volunteer for the city’s Shovel-a-Stop Program.
• If you must travel, plan ahead. Normal driving, cycling and walking conditions cannot always be maintained during winter weather. Please tell someone where you are going and the route you intend to take. View the city’s interactive travel map to plan your route.
• Visit the city’s website for live stream cameras to see current conditions around the city.
• COVID-19 brings the new challenge of keeping staff and the community safe in a time of social distancing. We ask that the community be patient as we navigate these challenges.
• Be aware that the COVID-19 testing site at Stazio Ball Fields will be closed Saturday and Sunday due to the forecast. Visit Boulder County’s website for additional information.

"During large snowstorms, travelers may encounter snow in bike lanes, paths, sidewalks and curb cuts," the city's news release read.

"This is due to lack of on-street snow storage as plows move snow away from main travel and emergency access corridors. On-street bike lanes may be impassable until clean-up efforts are complete. 100% of the city’s multi-use paths are cleared during storms and may provide a better option for travel."

>> For more information about the city’s snow and ice program, including answers to frequently asked questions, visit the city’s webpage.