Frequently Asked Questions

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1. What streets does the City plow?

The City prioritizes the most trafficked streets for plowing. This includes main, arterial roads (like 80th or Carr), collector roads that run through neighborhoods, and school zones. This helps ensure commonly used roads remain passable for the traveling public and emergency response teams. Other benefits include:

• Resource management (keeping costs of equipment, materials, and staff hours relatively stable each year)
• Reduced disruption on residential streets (snowplow noise and traffic, piles of snow, and treatment materials) 

Additional roads may be plowed when a storm reaches a certain caliber, typically 12 inches of snow or more. At the discretion of City management, additional contractors can be brought in to help plow more roads to ensure safety for the traveling public.

View the map of snow plow routes for more details.

2. What streets are plowed by CDOT?

State highways like Wadsworth (HWY 121), Sheridan (HWY 95), and parts of Indiana and Ward (HWY 72) are plowed by CDOT (Colorado Department of Transportation). View the map of snow plow routes for more details.

3. What materials are used to treat roads during a storm?

Before a storm anti-icing salt brine (salt water mixture) can be applied to help prevent snow from sticking. This is only used during some storms as it is not useful if the ground is too warm. During a storm 3 de-icing materials are used based on ground temperatures:

• Rock (white/gray) salt is used when ground temperatures are near 15 to 20 degrees or above.
• Blue salt is used when ground temperatures are 0 degrees and above.
• The liquid material is used when temperatures are below zero.

All of these materials are industry standard and considered environmentally safe.

4. Can I report icing problems in my neighborhood?

Yes, to report ice build ups on the road or in gutters please call 720-898-7725. Please leave a brief message with your request and the location by address or cross streets.  Your request will be logged into the work order system to be addressed.

Please note: packed snow and ice on residential roads will not be removed if they are still passable by cars.

5. How do I report unshoveled sidewalks?

Sidewalks are the responsibility of the home or business owner. City Code 18-491-302.3.3 requires sidewalks to be shoveled within 24 hours after the snow stops. Please report unshoveled sidewalks to code enforcement via Ask Arvada or by calling 720-898-7465 during regular business hours. Visit the Shoveling Walkways webpage for more information.

6. How do I sign up for alerts about a winter weather emergency?

Sign up for Lookout Alerts to receive alerts in the case of a weather related emergency, including winter weather.

The Boulder/Denver sector of the National Weather Service will provide the most accurate information on the status of winter weather events impacting Arvada. The City routinely re-shares their social media posts on Facebook and X (Twitter) during storms.

7. Can I get help shoveling my sidewalks?

The City coordinates a Snow Buddies Program to match those who are physically unable to remove snow with volunteers to assist them. Please visit the Snow Buddies Program page for information and eligibility requirements. You can also call 720-898-7535 to apply for assistance by phone.

8. What about park and trail plowing?

The Parks Department is responsible for clearing nearly 150 miles of trails, sidewalks, and parking lots across the city during a snowstorm. There are three categories of routes, prioritized by safety. 

• Priority 1 Routes are cleared first; these are trails connecting to schools and recreation centers. 
• Priority 2 Routes are cleared second; these are primary use trails and system trails. 
• Priority 3 Routes are cleared third; these are secondary use parks, internal and secondary trails. 

Visit the Parks and Trails Snow Clearing page for more information, including an interactive map of the three priority routes.