Does Colorado plow snow?
Yes. Snow plowing is a routine, state-wide effort in Colorado, with state, county, and local agencies clearing major roads and city streets during winter storms to keep traffic moving and people safe.
How snow removal works in Colorado
Colorado relies on a layered system of plowing that involves the state, counties, and municipalities. The state Department of Transportation (CDOT) maintains interstates and many state highways, often using private contractors for heavy storms. Counties and cities clear local roads, with equipment and crews deployed in shifts to cover arterial streets, residential streets, and rural routes as conditions allow. De-icing agents and sand or salt mixtures are applied to improve traction and prevent refreezing. The public can track road conditions and travel advisories through the 511 Colorado travel information system and local alerts.
Who is responsible for plowing?
Responsibility is shared among three tiers of government, each managing different road networks and operating rules. Coordination with weather services and road-condition information helps determine when and where to deploy plows and crews.
State responsibilities
CDOT clears interstates and major state highways, deploying plows and spreaders for de-icing and coordinating statewide snow-removal operations during significant events. Real-time road information is distributed through sources like 511 Colorado.
Local and county responsibilities
Cities, towns and counties clear local streets, arterials, and collectors within their jurisdictions, and they set snow-emergency rules, parking bans and removal timelines. Rural counties prioritize essential routes that serve emergency services, hospitals, and schools.
During storms, the following priority order is commonly followed to maintain mobility and safety. The exact sequence can vary by jurisdiction, weather, and road class.
- Interstates and other primary highways
- U.S. routes, state highways, and other major state-maintained roads
- City and county arterial and collector streets
- Residential streets and cul-de-sacs
- Special routes such as bus lanes and routes serving critical facilities (hospitals, schools, emergency services)
These priorities help ensure emergency access, route continuity for commuters, and service for schools and businesses. They may be adjusted during extreme conditions or limited by weather and staffing.
What residents should know
Residents can help keep roads passable and reduce damage by complying with parking rules, allowing room for plows, and staying informed about closures and delays. The information below provides guidance for residents during snow events.
Tips for residents during snow events:
- Move vehicles off streets when a snow event is forecast or when a snow emergency is declared to prevent being plowed in.
- Do not pass plows on the right; maintain a safe distance and be prepared for sudden stops or wide loads.
- Drive slowly and safely; increase following distance and avoid abrupt maneuvers.
- Check 511 Colorado and your city/county social media for road conditions, closures, and parking restrictions.
Following these guidelines helps ensure quicker clearance and safer travel for everyone during winter storms.
Summary
Colorado's snow plowing system is a comprehensive, multi-level effort designed to keep major routes open and safe. With CDOT handling interstates and state highways, local governments clearing city and county roads, and residents complying with parking restrictions and staying informed, winter travel remains possible even after heavy snowfall.
Are Chevy Colorados good for snow?
4WD and Off-Road Enhancements: Multimatic DSSV dampers, electronic locking differentials, and skid plates ensure the Colorado maintains control and protection in snowy or uneven terrain. High Ground Clearance: Easily navigates through snow-covered roads or rugged trails.
Do they plow roads in Colorado?
CDOT is responsible for plowing state highways and interstates, which adds up to about 23,000 lane miles across Colorado. Individual municipalities are responsible for plowing their own local roads.
Can you plow with a Colorado?
Yes, you can put a plow on a Chevy Colorado, and it is a popular option for midsize trucks used for residential and light-duty plowing. While it doesn't come with a factory-installed snowplow prep package, aftermarket plows can be installed with a specific vehicle mount. It is recommended to use a compact or light-duty plow for a Colorado to avoid potential issues with the truck's suspension and frame.
This video shows how to install a Fisher snow plow on a Chevy Colorado: 1mBuild Life OverlandYouTube · Nov 12, 2024
Things to consider
- Plow type: Choose a plow designed for compact trucks, as they are lighter and better suited for the Colorado's frame and suspension.
- Mounting system: The truck will need a vehicle-specific mount to attach the plow to the frame. Some systems also use a front hitch receiver.
- Installation: Installation may require some wiring and mechanical work, such as connecting the plow's light harness to the truck's wiring.
- Warranty: Be aware that adding a snowplow is a modification, and the truck's warranty could be voided if the manufacturer deems the modification to be the cause of a subsequent failure.
Where to find plows
- Rocky Road Outfitters: Offers snowplow kits specifically for the Chevy Colorado.
- RealTruck: Carries various snow plows and kits from brands like DK2 and Meyer that are compatible with the Colorado.
- SnowPlows Direct: Also sells plows that are well-suited for the Colorado.
Why does boulder not plow?
Second, the roads in Boulder are in rough shape so they can't apply as much downward pressure on the plow blade. A tight scrape would pop the road surface loose and cause potholes. The Transportation department in a surrounding town explained this to me a few years ago.
