For the winter season, the Town of Pagosa Springs is providing this information to residents and business owners regarding proper snow removal etiquette and responsibilities. The Town plows 30 miles of streets with additional trails and is asking for everyone’s cooperation so proper and efficient street maintenance can be accomplished. Our goal is to provide snow removal in a timely manner to facilitate safe traffic flow for drivers and pedestrians.
The time required to clear snow and ice from roads varies depending on the following conditions:
- Snowstorm Intensity and Duration
- Water Content of Snow
- Temperature
- Traffic Conditions
- Time of Day
Because of these variables, the Town may not be able to plow or sand roads at the same time each day or, on occasion, even the same day of the storm.
The Town has adopted designated snow routes with signage designating no parking during snow events. The snow route is effective the first Pagosa snow (usually in October) to the last snow (usually in April), during snow events it is prohibited to park along designated snow route streets. Violators will be fined and/or towed at owners’ expense.
Resident, Business Owner, And Snow Plowing Contractor Responsibilities
- REMEMBER it is unlawful to push or throw snow onto or across roadways.
- Your snow must be disposed of on your own property.
- It is unlawful to put snow on any public property or Right of Way.
- It is the Property/Business Owner’s responsibility to provide snow and ice removal on sidewalks abutting their property within 24 hours of the snowfall ending. DO NOT USE CHEMICAL DE-ICERS. Sidewalks damaged by ice melt are the responsibility of the adjoining owner for repair/replacement.
- Trash Carts should be placed in the driveway, a minimum of 5 feet behind the front of the snow berm to minimize the possibility of being knocked over. Knocked over trash carts are the resident’s responsibility.
- It is the resident’s responsibility to remove the snow berm left from street plowing. Reasonable efforts are made to minimize the berm left behind.
- If you have an Emergency, CALL “911”
What Can You Do To Help?
- Do not park along snow routes during the storm. Parking problems are compounded by winter snow and a little extra care should be taken to avoid them.
- Parking along Highway 160 between 2am–6am is prohibited; this includes Pagosa Street (Main Street) through Downtown.
- Do Not attempt to stop a snowplow or obstruct its path. Plows must maintain speed for maximum efficiency.
- Turn on your headlights if you see plows working or snow falling, being visible is critical!
- When approaching a plow from the rear, travel a minimum distance of 100 feet allowing for scattering of sand and abrupt movements.
- Use EXTREME caution when passing snow removal equipment. Before you pass please honk your horn and flash your lights to alert the operator you intend to pass.
- Equipment operators often work long hours under trying conditions. PLEASE be a courteous and friendly driver around them. Help them help YOU.
- Be patient. Be assured that during a snowstorm, every reasonable effort will be made to keep roadways open. All available personnel will be on the road during major snowstorms.
- We receive many complaints from adjoining property owners regarding a neighbor moving snow onto their property. Ask for permission first, most are upset that this is done without asking and they usually state “if only they would have asked, I would have said yes.”