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Snow Information
How the Town manages snow
Before a storm, the Town's Public Works Department obtains meteorological data from a number of weather services and local media. After data collection, a team of plow and truck operators are put into action to manage over 740 lane miles of roadway throughout Town. In order to keep Castle Rock residents on the move, the department has established methods of snow management.
Be in the know for all things snow with our snow information flyer (PDF).
How the Town prioritizes plowing
Streets are classified as either primary or residential streets, based on function, traffic volume and importance to the community. Primary streets are then split into first and second priority, and residential streets are split into third and fourth priorities.
- Priority Number 1: High-volume, primary streets that connect major sections of Town. Think Plum Creek Parkway, Wolfensberger Road or Mikelson Boulevard, for example.
- Priority Number 2: Smaller, primary streets and roads that provide access to schools.
- Priority Number 3: Residential streets.
- Priority Number 4: Cul-de-sacs and alleyways.
Please reference the interactive snow plow route map to view all primary and residential roads, color-coded by priority.
Residential streets
Residential streets are plowed after primary roadways, and when roadway snow accumulation is expected to exceed a specified amount.
- From March 15 to Nov. 15, snow accumulation on residential streets is expected to exceed 8 inches during a snowstorm before being cleared by plows, due to warmer temperatures.
- From Nov. 15 to March 15, snow accumulation is expected to exceed 4 inches on the roadway before being cleared by plows.
When plowing residential streets, plow drivers will make every effort to facilitate two-way traffic as best as possible. Vehicles parked on the side of the roadway can affect snow-plowing operations.
To follow along as plows clear streets, view the interactive plow tracker map.
Shoveling assistance and resources
Senior citizens and persons with disabilities who are unable to clear snow from their sidewalks may receive assistance from the following organizations:
- Aging Resources of Douglas County: A free assistance and referral program for qualified seniors needing help with light maintenance and chores - donations are accepted. To learn more, call 303-814-4300 or email the Aging Resources of Douglas County team to ask about their assistance program.
- To the Rescue: A program that provides a range of services offered to all community members, with specialized services for seniors and persons with disabilities. To learn more about their services, email the To the Rescue team or call 720-851-2100.
- What are residents responsible for clearing?
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Town Code requires all businesses and residential property owners and/or tenants to remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours of each snow event, with 2 inches or more of accumulation. If you live on a corner, snow removal is required on both sidewalks - in the front and on the side of your property. Residents should also keep curbs and gutters free of ice, to allow drainage and prevent buildup.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2022. - Why don't plow drivers specifically clear to the north side of the street?
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For safety and efficiency, plow drivers cannot change plow directions based on the street. The Town's policy is to plow residential roads from the center outward, providing a passable lane in each direction, placing snow along the side. This prevents favoring one side over another and is time efficient. Most roads are usually crowned (sloped) so they can drain to the gutters; this allows for the travel lanes to dry more quickly, preventing melt from refreezing over the road.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2022.
- How do I report an ice issue?
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The Town has invested in two ice-breaking attachments to address major ice buildup issues. Residents can request ice breaking in a specified area by emailing the Public Works Department or by calling 720-733-2462. Public Works will evaluate icy areas of Town and prioritize treatment in the same manner as plowing, starting with priority No. 1 streets, and by looking at the severity of the buildup and traffic volume. With the number of sunny days in Colorado, some icy areas will be left to melt on their own.
Reviewed Nov. 18, 2022.
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Roads / Public Works
Physical Address
4175 Castleton Court
Castle Rock, CO 80109
Phone 720-733-2462Fax 303-660-1025