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1. What is the minimum amount of snow for which the City’s snowplow/removal team will mobilize?

The City’s Streets team conducts snow removal activity when there are three inches or more of snow in one storm event.

2. What do you use on the roads to prevent snow and ice buildup?

The City of Aspen has tested various deicing chemicals in the search for an environmentally safe, effective, and affordable alternative to sanding the roads. We are currently applying no type of deicer chemicals to any street maintained by the City of Aspen.

The Street Department uses an average of 389 tons of 3/8’’ washed chip rock per winter season to improve traction on the City streets. This material is hard and dustless, thereby helping to reduce dust/PM-10 in the air. The City applies sanding material in the commercial core, on Main Street, and on bus/emergency vehicle routes and roads that have steep grades. Gravel is also applied at major intersections where stopping and turning are difficult.

3. What is the difference between snow plowing and snow removal operations?

Snowplows are the first to mobilize in a storm. Plowing activity occurs in Downtown Aspen and the residential areas when there are three inches or more of snow. The goal of plowing is to move the snow out of the roadway. Snow removal is the process where dump trucks are used to collect all of the snow that was plowed to the sides of the roads. The trucks take the snow to a snow storage site next to the Aspen Animal Shelter. Only snow from the downtown core is taken to the snow storage site. Snow in residential areas is left to melt off, enter the filtration systems of the City’s stormwater infrastructure, and flow into the Roaring Fork River.

4. What time does snow plowing and removal occur?

The Street Department primarily completes snowplow operations at night. Snow removal operations only occur at night, generally from 11 p.m.- 9 a.m.

5. When will my street be plowed?

We prioritize the streets according to traffic volumes and public safety requirements, focusing first on bus routes and primary access routes for emergency vehicles. The priority order for plowing activities is: Main Street, Downtown Core, alleys, bus routes, artillery roads, residential streets, residential alleys.

6. Why can’t the snowplow driver change the angle of the blade to avoid plowing snow into my driveway?

Driveway maintenance (snow removal, cleaning, etc.) remains the responsibility of the property owner. The response time to relocate the plow blade angle makes it infeasible to try and blade snow away from driveways.

7. How do I request a new street street sign?

To request a new street sign, please contact Engineering at 970.920.5080 or EngineeringHelp@cityofaspen.com. 

8. What is the difference between a pothole, a sinkhole, and a utility cut?

A pothole is a chunk of asphalt that is missing from the roadway. A sinkhole is where the asphalt is intact but has sunk due to instability of the ground beneath it. 

A utility cut occurs when someone has cut into the street to access the utilities below. Most of these are done by private contractors. If it has not been permanently patched in a long period of time, or if the patch has sunk severely, please contact the Engineering Department at 970.920.5080 or EngineeringHelp@CityOfAspen.Com.

For repair of a pothole or a sinkhole, please contact the Street Department at 970.920.5130, or submit an online request.

9. My car was towed. How do I find it?

For information about towing locations, contact the Aspen Parking Department at 970.920.5267 or Parking@CityOfAspen.Com.

10. Who is responsible for maintenance, replacement or any damages to the objects on City property?

The public right of way, including those areas between the sidewalk on both sides of most roadways, is owned by the City. Private property owners are allowed to place objects such as mailboxes, sprinkler systems, landscaping and driveways in the public right of way. Property owners are responsible for maintenance, replacement or any damages to the objects on City property caused by, but not limited to, snow removal, street sweeping or other City activities. For more information, please contact the Street Department at 970-920-5130.