Winter is Coming: Here is What You Need to Know

Winter brings snowy landscapes and fun activities, but also the potential for travel hazards and frozen pipes. Here is what you need to know for winter in Boulder.

When it snows, the city prioritizes clearing emergency routes, major streets and access to critical infrastructure, as well as neighborhood streets with steep slopes and the city’s multi-use path system. Side and residential streets are not typically cleared since most snow usually melts quickly and because adding these streets would significantly increase costs, impacting other priority services.

Community members should be aware that normal travel conditions cannot always be maintained when it snows. If you must travel during winter weather, visit the city’s website to view live video of current road conditions at key intersections throughout the city.

To help keep sidewalks safe for pedestrians, city property owners are required to clear their sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours after snow stops.

Learn more about the city's approach to clearing snow.

When frigid arctic air hits, water freezes, and as it freezes, it expands, causing pipes to burst and possibly flood. Frozen pipes can be avoided with a little planning and a few simple steps.

Learn how to prevent and prepare for frozen pipes.

When winter is in full swing, mountain lion activity can increase in Boulder. Activity near town tends to trends upward during the colder months. We encourage community members to take precautions and be prepared if they encounter a mountain lion.

Learn more about how to prevent and prepare for a mountain lion encounter.

Boulder has a reputation as an outdoor mecca. This winter, get outside by participating in the many outdoor activities that Boulder has to offer.

Learn more about winter activities in Boulder.