A big winter storm is on it’s way. What does that mean to you?
Even the birds weren't up yet!
Snow-covered roads and poor visibility are expected to cause hazardous driving conditions throughout for the day that the snow is falling – particularly during your morning and evening commutes. Driving during peak times is always better so if you can utilize flex time or work from home until the traffic dies down that’s always your best bet.
With Douglas County spanning the foothills to the Palmer Divide the snow totals and conditions you might experience will be varied. In general the areas closer to Denver metro like Parker, Centennial, Englewood and Highlands Ranch won’t get as much snow as those communities in or close to the Palmer Divide or the foothills such as Castle Rock, Franktown, Castle Pines, Roxborough, Unincorporated Douglas County area’s of The Pinery, Pradera, High Prairie Farms, Sedalia and Larkspur.
Town of Parker Colorado Snow Removal Frequently Asked Questions
- I shoveled my sidewalks and a snow plow later recovered the walks with snow. Will the Town clear the sidewalks?
- The Town doesn’t have the manpower to go back and clear walks. The Town doesn’t intentionally cover sidewalks, however it is an unfortunate by-product of clearing streets. Plows must move at a speed great enough to get the snow off of their blade and therefore, they may inadvertently throw snow far enough to cover sidewalks.
- 2.How does the Town prioritize streets for snow operations?
- The top priority for snow operations are arterial streets. Once the main roadways are cleared, the second priority for snow clearing are collector streets and school bus routes are the next priority. Finally, snow plows will clear local roads (non-school bus routes and cul-de-sacs), but only after 10” or more of snow has accumulated and snow continues to fall. Additional Information
- 3.The snow plow has blocked my driveway with snow; will plows remove piles to get me out?
- The Town will make one pass along non-school bus route residential streets. It will be the resident’s responsibility to get from the driveway to the cleared path. When we plow your street, some snow will get back on your driveway and we know this can be frustrating. You can help by shoveling the snow from your driveway into your yard, as any snow you place in the street will probably be pushed back into your driveway by a passing snow plow.
- 4.I have an urgent meeting, doctor’s appointment, or a flight to catch – will the Town plow a path for me to get out?
- The Town will accommodate emergency 9-1-1 calls only. However, we are unable to fairly prioritize the individual concerns of more than 48,000 residents.
5.Will my street be plowed from curb to curb?
- Typically only a single pass (12’ to 15’ wide) will be made on local streets. Individual homeowners need to make efforts to get out to the cleared path. Plowing wider paths creates larger snow piles, which may end up blocking driveways.The Town appreciates your assistance and understanding regarding this service. If you have questions about the status of a particular street or want to report hazardous street conditions, please call 303.841.0353 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Source: Town of Parker Frequently asked questions
Castle Rock CO
The Town of Castle Rock said in their press release: “The Town is planning to plow main streets, as well as residential areas. Before Nov. 15, the Town’s snow-removal policy calls for plows to clear neighborhood streets when 8 inches or more of snow is predicted.
Plows will begin removing snow as soon as it starts sticking, likely around midnight. By 2 a.m., more than 20 plows are expected to be clearing Town streets, and will continue doing so around-the-clock until the storm ends.
Residents can monitor plows’ progress and obtain a timeframe for when they will be coming into their area via the Town’s online snowplow-tracking service atCRgov.com/plowtracker.”
A few tips for those new residents of Douglas County Colorado
- Do not drive if you don’t know how to drive in snow!It doesn’t matter if you have a four wheel drive vehicle or not, if you are going too fast or don’t know how to use your breaks on snow and ice you WILL get in an accident and possible hurt yourself, others and property. Take advantage of one of your Colorado native friends or neighbors and have them teach you to drive here.
- If you have deciduous tree’s, do go outside and gently tap off heavy snow from tree limbs before they break. Tree’s are a precious commodity in the high plains.
- Always unhook your garden hoses from the house, even if you don’t think it’s going to get that cold.
- Do dress in layers in Colorado pretty much year round. The temperatures can and do vary drastically from when you leave your house for work and when you get home. It’s always a good idea to keep at least a jacket, hat and gloves in your car year round.
- You don’t need to run to the grocery store to stock up for the storm, it really will be melted within 24 hours after falling.
The tips below were taking from the Douglas County Website, Town of Castle Rock & State of Colorado Emergency Management site.
- Store drinking water, first aid kit, canned/no-cook food, non-electric can opener, radio, flashlight and extra batteries where you can get them easily, even in the dark. Have questions about kits? Check outREADYColorado for some great checklists and tips!
- Keep cars and other vehicles fueled and in good repair, with a winter emergency kit in each.
- Get a NOAA Weather Radio to monitor severe weather.
Know how the public is warned (siren, radio, TV, etc.) and the warning terms for each kind of disaster in your community:
Winter Weather Terminology in Colorado
“winter storm watch” — Be alert, a storm is likely
“winter storm warning” — Take action, the storm is in or entering the area
“blizzard warning” — Snow and strong winds combined will produce blinding snow, near zero visibility, deep drifts, and life-threatening wind chill–seek refuge immediately!
“winter weather advisory” — Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous, especially to motorists
“frost/freeze warning” — Below freezing temperatures are expected and may cause damage to plants, crops, or fruit trees
“flash flood or flood watch” — Be alert to signs of flash flooding and be ready to evacuate on a moment’s notice
“flash flood warning” — A flash flood is imminent–act quickly to save yourself because you may have only seconds
“flood warning” — Flooding has been reported or is imminent–take necessary precautions at once. Know safe routes from home, work and school to high ground.
Know how to contact other household members through a common out-of-state contact in the event you and have to evacuate and become separated.
Know how to turn off gas, electric power and water before evacuating.
Know ahead of time what you should do to help elderly or disabled friends, neighbors or employees.
Winterize your house, barn, shed or any other structure that may provide shelter for your family, neighbors, livestock or equipment. Install storm shutters, doors and windows; clear rain gutters; repair roof leaks; and check the structural ability of the roof to sustain unusually heavy weight from the accumulation of snow–or water, if drains on flat roofs do not work.
If you think you might want to volunteer in case of a disaster, now is the time to let voluntary organizations or the emergency services office know beforehand.
Emergency Contact Manager for Douglas County Colorado
Douglas County Colorado
Fran Santagata
Emergency Management Director
Douglas County Emergency Management
4000 Justice Way
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Office: 303-660-7589
FAX: 303-814-8790
24 hour contact: 303-660-7500
Email: fsantaga@dcsheriff.net
Sheriff David Weaver
4000 Justice Way, Ste. 3625
Castle Rock, CO 80104
303-660-7541
Snow Plowing in Douglas County CO
In general snow plows follow this priority in all area’s of the county.
Priority 1 – Arterials
Priority 2 – Collector Streets
Priority 3 – Local Roads
State Highways
The Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) is responsible for snow operations and maintenance on seven major state highways that pass through Douglas County:
I-25, C-470, state highway 83 (South Parker Road). highway 86, 85, a portion of Highway 67 from Sedalia to Rampart Range Road; and a portion of Highway 105 from Highway 67 to Wolfensberger Road. E-470 is maintained by the E-470 Highway Authority.
Douglas County Snow Removal Districts and Equipment
Five snow removal districts are located geographically throughout Douglas County. For additional information please call 303.660.7480.
District 1:
(8) snowplow units with sanders
(3) motorgraders
(2) front end loader
(1) sweeper
(1) snowblower unit
District 2:
(7) snowplow units with sanders
(5) motorgraders
(2) front end loaders
(1) sweeper
(1) snowblower unit
District 3:
(8) snowplow units with sanders
(4) motorgraders
(1) front end loader
(1) sweeper
District 4:
(16) snowplow units with sanders
(1) 6000 gallon anti-icing tanker with spray units
(1) 1500 gallon anti-icing truck with spray units
(2) front end loaders
(5) sweepers
(1) ice breaker
(1) motograder
District 5:
(7) snowplow units with sanders
(1) motorgrader
(3) front end loaders
(1) ice breaker
Douglas County snowplow units are white with the Douglas County logo. Motorgraders are yellow with the Douglas County logo.
Castle Rock Colorado
Stay safe, and enjoy the snow. Snowplow Tracking System
Highlands Ranch Colorado Snow Removal
Clearing snow around community mailboxes is the responsibility of the box holders. Also, please remember to clear access to fire hydrants on your street. Snow plowing will be provided for these facilities in the following order:
- Fire stations
- Metro District Parks, Recreation & Open Space Service Center parking lots and all access roads
- Special District’s Office Building – parking lot and entry walkways
- Northridge Park parking lots
- Walk to school routes
- Arterial sidewalks and trail system
- Parking lots at all other parks
Lone Tree Colorado
Information on emergency preparedness was obtained at the Colorado Department of Emergency Management website
