Snowstorm preparations and potential inclusion of residential streets in clean-up efforts.

Here’s some need-to-know information for the week

Snowstorm preparations and potential inclusion of residential streets in clean-up efforts.

City snow crews are planning for a large snowstorm later this week. Forecasts are calling for up to 18-40” (up to 60” in and around Boulder County) of snow between Thursday and Sunday morning – giving this storm the potential to be the largest we have seen this season. Though forecasts can change, city snow crews are actively planning their response, which includes treatment, clearing roads and paths and moving snow to the Boulder Municipal Airport.

City staff are actively reminding the community that:

  • 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.

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’s snow clearing team is not currently resourced to actively plow every residential roadway in the city when it snows. 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. If we can add this service, the goal will be to make a passable lane on residential streets. This will hopefully lessen some of the impacts to on-street parking.

During large snowstorms, travelers may encounter snow in bike lanes, paths, sidewalks and curb cuts. 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.

Additionally, the Boulder Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is keeping a close eye on developing conditions and might be activated for support should weather conditions warrant it. Possible concerns range from stranded vehicles/persons in cars on roads and highways, downed power lines and outages, roof/infrastructure collapses, fire danger when alternative power sources are used, people needing emergency services (and regular support services) and lack of water/food for livestock on open ranges.

If the OEM does activate, city staff will actively point community members to their resources:

For more information, contact Bill Cowern, Transportation & Mobility Department Deputy Director, 303-441-4054.

Regards,
Chris

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