Snow and Ice Operations

Snow Operations for the winter season

City crews will apply cinders as a traction aide to icy roadways. The City of Flagstaff does not currently use chemical deicing agents.

ADOT crews will be applying de-icer on state routes including: Route 66, Milton, West Route 66 and Fort Valley Road.
 

Cindering Procedures

 
Cinders must be reapplied frequently due to traffic pushing the cinders into the snow/ice, crushing, or blowing off the roadway.

Snow Operations Priorities & Target Time Frames

First priority areas consist of the following:

1. Main Arterials
2. Major Hills
3. Downtown
4. Mountain Line Transit Routes
5. School Bus Routes

All other streets are considered Second Priority Areas.


The policy also sets the following target plowing time frames based on the amount of snowfall received:

During the months of January and February only.

* 0 to 3 inches of snow - First priority areas only
* 3 to 8 inches of snow - Second priority areas completed within 12 hours
* 8 to 12 inches of snow - Second priority areas completed within 18 hours
* Over 12 inches of snow - Second priority areas completed within 36 hours


* 0 to 4 inches of snow - First priority areas only
* 4 to 8 inches of snow - Second priority areas completed within 12 hours
* 8 to 12 inches of snow - Second priority areas completed within 18 hours
* Over 12 inches of snow - Second priority areas completed within 36 hours

Snow Plowing Operations Information

Currently there are 700 lane miles, 16 miles of alleys, 131 miles of bike lane, 270 miles of sidewalk, 55 miles of FUTS, and 27,000 driveways in the city. The Streets Section is responsible for approximately 700 lane miles of streets, varying in width from two (2) to nine (9) lanes. Equipment makes multiple passes to completely plow all snow from these lanes. This results in over 2,600 miles traveled by city equipment in order to plow all city streets one (1) time.

In addition to snow plowing, the Streets Section applies abrasives (cinders) to assist motorists with traction control in critical locations and when conditions require treatment. 

Continued post storm clean-up efforts include revisiting areas for additional snow removal and hauling operations, storm drain clearing, ice monitoring and periodic application of additional abrasives (especially in shaded areas or on hills), and community sweeping and clean-up after each storm event to help clear abrasives/residual storm effects.

The fleet operated by the Streets section includes (20) plow trucks, (2) six -wheel spreader trucks, (8) road graders, (3) tractor-trailers for hauling operations, (5) loaders, and (1) truck mounted snow thrower. 

During all weather events, there are three (3) critical considerations for the Streets Section: Timing, Texture (Precipitation Type), and Temperature.

The timing of snow storms can create challenges. If the City receives snow right before the morning or evening rush hours, it can be difficult to keep first priority routes open/passable. Depending upon the amount of accumulation, approximately 4-12 hours are required to plow and cinder the first priority streets one (1) time. Time is the most important element in providing efficient and safe snow operations.

Information for Cyclists and Pedestrians

Cyclists

During winter storm events, the Streets Section provides ice monitoring and periodic application of abrasives (cinders) to bridges, major hills, intersections, railroad crossings, shaded locations, and other problem areas. After storm events, the Streets Section continues to provide community sweeping and clean-up efforts to help clear abrasives from the roadways with emphasis on bike lanes and intersections.

Streets and bike lanes are plowed, cindered, and swept based on their location in the City. First priority areas consist of Main Arterials, Major Hills, Downtown, Mountain Line Transit Routes, and School Bus Routes. All other streets are considered second priority areas (residential streets and cul-de-sacs). After first priority routes have been plowed, cindered, or swept, secondary routes are addressed by our Snow Operations crews. Secondary routes are not plowed until first priorities are completed and more than four (4) inches of snow have accumulated on residential roadways.

The Streets section understands the importance of providing safe cycling opportunities, when feasible. Bicycle lanes are addressed as time allows as vehicle lanes are initially cleared during winter storm events. Please be advised that streets may require several runs from plows and sweepers to completely clear the roadways of snow, ice, or cinders due to the timing/severity of a storm. Cyclists are asked to remain alert while commuting in the City of Flagstaff during the winter season, to allow extra time for travel, and to consider alternate transportation routes if necessary. Cyclists are encouraged to consider utilizing vehicle lanes if necessary to avoid minor ice or cinder build-up in the bike lanes as our department continues to monitor and mitigate impacts from storm events to roadways. If vehicle lanes cannot safely be utilized, cyclists may consider standing up on bicycle pedals as hazards are navigated for better control.

Additional resources for cyclists are available at the Bicycle Program and Bicycle Safety Tips webpages.

Transportation options for commuting in Flagstaff are provided in the Area Resources section below. 

Pedestrians

The City advises pedestrians to remain alert while walking during/after winter storm events by walking slowly in areas that appear icy and wearing appropriate footwear that provides traction assistance.

Additional resources for pedestrians are available at the Pedestrian Program webpage.

Transportation options for commuting in Flagstaff are provided in the Area Resources section below. 

Winter Parking Ordinance

The Winter Parking Ordinance (City Code 9-01-001-0003, E. Violations, 7.Seasonal Parking Restriction) may be viewed in full below:

a.    Exceptions:

(1)    The seasonal parking restriction does not apply to the following areas:

(a)    The north side of the westerly one thousand (1,000) feet of Coconino Avenue.

(b)    Both sides of Pine Cliff Drive for a distance of nine hundred (900) feet south of the south curb line of Ponderosa Parkway.

(c)    Both sides of Locust Street (formerly Cottonwood Street) for a distance of three hundred fifty (350) feet south of the south curb line of Ponderosa Parkway.

(d)    All public streets in the Aspen Place at the Sawmill development.

(2)    The seasonal parking restriction shall be from 3:00 a.m. until 7:00 a.m. for the following areas:

(a)    Both sides of Leroux Street from Benton Avenue to Phoenix Avenue, and from Route 66 to Cherry Avenue.

(b)    Both sides of Benton Avenue, Cottage Avenue, and Phoenix Avenue from Leroux Street to Agassiz Street.

(c)    Both sides of Aspen Avenue from Beaver Street to Agassiz Street.

(d)    Both sides of Birch Avenue and Cherry Avenue from Beaver Street to San Francisco Street.

(e)    The north side of Route 66 from Beaver Street to Agassiz Street.

(f)    Both sides of Agassiz Street from Route 66 to Birch Avenue.

Clearing Sidewalks

View City Code 8-03-001-0004

 

Additional information related to safe sidewalks is available from Community Code Compliance: Safe Sidewalks

Please Clear Water Meters of Snow & Ice

Tips For A Safe Winter Season:

• Use chains or studded tires when necessary
• Slow down
• Be patient
• Only drive when necessary
• Be considerate of other drivers, emergency vehicles and snow operation crews
• Allow more travel time during or following a snowstorm
• Do not park on City streets or alleyways between the hours of midnight to 7:00 a.m.
• Keep areas in front of driveways and mailboxes clear
• Clear sidewalks of snow and ice within 24 hours of a snowstorm
• Drive at least 50 feet behind snowplows and cinder trucks

If you have questions about snow operations in the City of Flagstaff call the Public Works Office at  (928) 213-2100 during normal business hours.

Additional Snow Operations Information: 

• Current City Plowing information on Facebook: City of Flagstaff Public Works
• Snow Berm Relocation Program (City of Flagstaff Parks section): Relocation Information and Application