Steamboat Pilot & Today

Sixty-eight miles of streets, 5.5 miles of alleys, 23 parking lots and 105 cul-de-sacs.

Whenever snow falls, the city of Steamboat Springs has the responsibility of uncovering a lot of ground.

But the responsibility doesn't just fall on city staff members' snowplows: Residents also have duties for after the snow flies.

Steamboat public works staffers recently mailed about 12,500 brochures -- one to each post office and cluster box holder -- explaining snow removal, winter parking restrictions and other concerns.

The city sends the brochure annually, said Public Works Director Jim Weber, as a reminder to drivers and residents.

"A significant portion of our community is very transient. We get a lot of new faces that aren't necessarily familiar with the quantity of snow that we get and the operations that we need to do to provide safe access throughout the town," he said.

All public roads and alleys are plowed after major snowstorms. If you're not sure which streets are public, look for a blue street sign, which means that the street is maintained by the city. Streets with red signs are maintained privately.

Employees will plow main roads first, including those leading to the hospital, schools, commercial areas and the ski area. Then, they will move to residential and subdivision streets and alleys.

There are a couple of laws related to snowfall. It is illegal for residents to throw snow onto a roadway when they clear their driveways. Also, motorists cannot leave their cars on city streets and shoulders during certain early morning hours from Nov. 1 to April 30. Vehicles parked in no-parking areas will be ticketed or towed, Weber said.

The brochure also includes winter safe driving and snow removal tips. Weber offers a couple of additional tips:

Keeping your car off city streets overnight may keep it from getting damaged. Drivers who are plowing cannot always see parked cars, or they cannot move in time to avoid hitting the cars, Weber said.

Residents should store snow on their property; the city works to store snow only in city right-of-ways.

If you encounter a motor grader as it is plowing, stop and let the grader's driver do his or her work. "It is better for you, as the driver, to give him clearance," Weber said. "Stop and let him work around you as opposed to making him give the right of way to you." This is especially important on narrow, windy roads.

-- To reach Dana Strongin call 871-4229

or e-mail dstrongin@steamboatpilot.com.