Boulder Snow Clearing Plan: What To Know

BOULDER, CO — Some parts of Boulder County got nearly 2 feet of snow over the weekend in a historic snowstorm that's left a lot of work for city crews, emergency teams and of course, residents who now have to dig their way out of their properties.

The city of Boulder 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, officials said.

The city is pulling together additional resources to include residential streets in the post-storm clean-up effort, after priority routes have been completed. It may take up to two days to begin plowing residential streets, officials said. The city's goal is to make one passable lane on residential streets in an effort to lessen impacts to on-street parking.

Some bike lanes, paths, sidewalks and curb cuts may be blocked due to the lack of on-street snow storage as plows move snow away from main travel and emergency access corridors, the city said. All the city's multi-use paths are cleared during storms and may be a better option for getting around, officials said.

The city also issued the following guidelines for residents:

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• City of Boulder property owners, landlords and tenants are required to remove snow and ice from their sidewalks within 24 hours after snow stops falling. Failure to remove snow from sidewalks before the 24-hour deadline may result in fines and having to pay for a private snow removal contractor.
• 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, the city said.
• 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.
• Give plows and snow clearing crews plenty of room.

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