The Town of Parker’s goal is to provide the best snow service possible within the constraints of budget, personnel and available equipment. Please keep in mind that Parker Road/State Highway 83 is maintained and plowed by the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT), rather than the Town.
SNOW OPERATIONS POLICY
Although the Town has a snow plowing priority system in place, the time required to clear roads depends on several variables, such as snowstorm intensity, duration, wind and temperature. Parker sees approximately 56 inches of snow during an average snow season (based on a 15-year average), which is spread over multiple snow events.
Priority 1: Arterial Roadways
Arterial roadways are our first priority and will be cleared first. These are the major roadways that carry the most traffic volume, such as Chambers Road, Mainstreet, Lincoln Avenue and Jordan Road.
Priority 2: Collector Streets
Collector streets, such as Bradbury Parkway, Canterberry Trail and Heirloom Parkway, are our second priority. These streets provide access to arterial roadways and will be cleared once arterials have been plowed.
Priority 3: Local Residential Roads and Cul-de-sacs
Local residential roads and cul-de-sacs that provide traffic flow within subdivisions and access to homes are not plowed unless six (6) inches of snow has accumulated on streets or if major drifting has occurred.
To be able to service all neighborhood streets, typically only a single pass (15 to 18 feet wide) will be made on local streets.
During larger storms that result in six inches or more of snow accumulation on the streets, Town trails and lesser-used facilities will only receive snow plowing/shoveling services following the completion of neighborhood streets.
Measuring Snowfall Totals
Snowfall amounts in Parker are now measured with sensors located at the intersections of Twenty Mile Road/Pine Lane and Hilltop Road/Canterberry Parkway.
Ice Control
General ice control will be limited to Priority 1 and Priority 2 roadways and will not be performed on local streets unless they meet specific conditions that interfere with safe vehicle travel.
Information Resources
To view the Town of Parker’s full Snow Plowing and Ice Control Policy, see a full list of arterial and collector roadways, read FAQs, view our snow route map or learn more about snow operations in Parker, please visit www.ParkerOnline.org/Snow. If you have additional questions, please contact the Engineering and Public Works Department at 303.840.9546.
WHAT IS A WINDROW?
Snow windrows are created by plows during roadway snow operations, and they can often block residential driveways. The creation of windrows in front of driveways is often unavoidable for our plow drivers. Since our drivers have hundreds of miles of roadways to clear during major winter storm events, homeowners are responsible for clearing access between their driveway and street, through these windrows.
What Does a Snow Windrow Look Like?
Important Details to Know about Snow Windrows
- The Town does not return to plow snow windrows after a storm.
- Operators will not be able to place snow on the north side of the street or areas that receive more sun.
- The Town will not be able to get to “bare pavement” in most cases. Operators will work to push as much snow as possible to provide a passable street surface.
- Operators will make every effort to limit throwing snow on driveways and/or developing “snow boulders.”
WINTER TIPS FOR LIVING IN PARKER
- Park vehicles off-street when it snows. This keeps vehicles from being plowed in, protects them from passing vehicles and gives snow plows more space to maneuver.
- Shovel your sidewalks! Don’t forget to shovel sidewalks on your property following a snow event. Per the Town's Municipal Code, property owners must clear all snow and ice from sidewalks within 48 hours after snow stops falling.
- Avoid shoveling or blowing snow into the street. If your street is plowed, some snow will get back on your driveway. We understand that this can be frustrating. You can help by shoveling snow from sidewalks or driveways into your yard as any snow placed in the street will likely be pushed back onto your property by a passing plow. Snow placed in the gutter may also cause recurring icing issues.
- Keep children out of the street. Remind your children to avoid playing on snow piled on the road or in cul-de-sacs. Equipment operators may not see children playing due to low visibility or other causes.
- When driving near a snow plow, slow down and use caution. If you can’t see the snow plow’s mirrors, the driver probably can’t see you.
- For more tips on dealing with winter conditions here in Parker, visit www.ParkerOnline.org/SnowTips.