Snow and Ice Removal

May 20, 2022, 8 a.m.: Snow is in the forecast, with expected accumulation of up to a few inches through Saturday. City snow crews are monitoring conditions and will respond accordingly.

Road conditions in Boulder: Currently wet

Road conditions around Boulder: Currently wet

Help make travel safe for everyone! 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.

Important reminders:

• Check the National Weather Service snowfall report for the last recording of "Light Snow" or "Snow" to determine when your sidewalks need to be cleared.
• Don't plow or shovel snow into any street or alleyway.
• Plows may need to push snow onto curbs and sidewalks to keep the streets clear.
• Contact Cultivate (303-443-1933) if you are a senior and need help clearing your sidewalk.

Ten winning names for City of Boulder snowplows were selected from more than 200 entries as part of the city’s first-ever snowplow naming contest. The contest was open to students grades K-5 in Boulder and magnets with the winning names have been added to 10 city snowplows.

• 52% of streets and 100% of multi-use paths are regularly cleared by city snow crews, with the University of Colorado and other entities clearing portions of the path system.
• The city prioritizes emergency access routes, major arterial streets, and access to hospitals, schools, transit and critical infrastructure, as well as neighborhood streets with steep slopes.

Make It Clear Within 24 Hours

Help make travel safe for everyone! City of Boulder property owners, managers and tenants are required to remove snow, ice, and sleet from their sidewalks, which includes clearing a 5’ path on curb ramps, within 24 hours after snow stops falling. Failure to remove snow from sidewalks and clear a 5’ path on curb ramps and curb extensions before the 24-hour deadline may result in fines and having to pay for a private snow removal contractor.

Important reminders:

• Check the National Weather Service snowfall report for the last recording of "Light Snow" or "Snow" to determine when your sidewalks need to be cleared.

• Sidewalks include curb ramps and curb extensions, which are the sloped pathways leading to streets and crosswalks, as well as the area beyond the bottom of the curb ramp that extends to the flexible plastic posts that form the curb extension.

• Don't plow or shovel snow into any street or alleyway. It is best to place shoveled snow on lawns or other vegetated areas.

• Plows may need to push snow onto curbs and sidewalks to keep the streets clear. The owner, manager and tenant of property abutting the sidewalk are responsible for removing that snow as well.

• Homes and businesses on corner lots are responsible for clearing all public sidewalks that abut the property, this includes the walks along the front, side and rear of the property and the pedestrian ramps connecting to the street.

What if I'm physically unable to remove snow from my sidewalk?

Senior citizens and physically disabled persons who are unable to clear snow from their sidewalks may receive assistance through the Cultivate SnowBusters Program. Please consider volunteering for this vital service that helps so many residents that need assistance. For more information call 303-443-1933.

Residents may also consider hiring a company to shovel the walks when they are unable to themselves or during extended vacations.

For more information, download the "Make it Clear" brochure.