Current route check
Open the city plow tracker
Check Denver's official tracker for the active operation and mapped snow routes before assuming a street was missed.
Open Denver Plow TrackerDenver, CO winter guide
Denver snow plow and parking guide.
Denver uses large plows on roughly 2,050 lane miles of main streets and may deploy smaller trucks for about 1,260 center lane miles of residential streets. Residential plows make one pass down the middle to improve access; they do not clear to bare pavement or spread deicer.
Reviewed September 1, 2026Denver Department of Transportation and Infrastructure
MAIN STREET FLEET70 large plows
RESIDENTIAL RESULTOne center pass
RESIDENTIAL HOURS3 a.m.–3 p.m.
Start with the official answer
Three useful ways to check Denver
These links go directly to the city tools residents need during a storm.
What to expect
Read Denver's snow plan
See the difference between main street, residential, protected bike lane, trail, and sidewalk service.
Read Denver snow removal guidanceStreet or ice concern
Send the location to 311
Use Denver's official issue form when the applicable operation has passed or a location presents a specific hazard.
Report an issue to DenverHow the response unfolds
What happens before your street is finished
Denver follows a local sequence. Knowing the phase explains why one road can be clear while another is still waiting.
- 1Before accumulation
Watch conditions and prepare
DOTI monitors forecasts and chooses a full, partial, or standby deployment based on expected accumulation and pavement conditions.
- 2Main response
Keep striped streets passable
Large plows work most streets with stripes, school areas, and major travel routes, using deicer when conditions support it.
- 3Deeper snowfall
Make the residential pass
If enough snow has fallen, smaller trucks make one center pass on side streets to reduce deep rutting and improve access to main roads.
Before leaving the car
Denver parking rules that matter
- Denver does not impose a routine citywide snow parking ban for every storm; follow event notices and temporary signs.
- Move a vehicle off a snow route when the city requests it so large plows can work closer to the curb and through intersections.
- Do not assume a residential street will be cleared curb to curb. Park tightly and leave enough width for a plow to pass.
Resident checklist
What to do during the storm
- 1
Open the plow tracker and confirm whether a response is active.
- 2
Identify whether the address is on a main street, side street, protected bike route, park trail, or private road.
- 3
Expect packed snow after the single residential pass and use extra caution on shaded streets.
- 4
Clear the adjoining sidewalk by the city deadline and keep private snow out of the street and bike lane.
Service boundaries
Who clears what in Denver
The city plow department is not responsible for every road, sidewalk, driveway, alley, or parking area.
Denver DOTI
Plows main streets and, when activated, sends smaller equipment through residential side streets.
Denver Parks and Recreation
Maintains park property and designated off street trails, while other city teams handle selected bridges, bikeways, and public facilities.
Property owners and occupants
Clear adjoining sidewalks and private access, including required ramps or bus stop space, and keep shoveled snow out of public travel lanes.
If the street looks missed
Match the request to the surface first
Main streets, residential streets, protected bikeways, park trails, and sidewalks follow different standards. Check the live status and the published service description before filing a request.
- 1Open the tracker and classify the street or path.
- 2Confirm that Denver, rather than the state, a private owner, or another operator, maintains it.
- 3Use Denver's issue form and include the exact address, side of street, and observed hazard.
Local questions answered
Denver snow plow FAQ
Short answers for the questions residents usually have during an active storm.
Why is my Denver side street still snow packed after a plow passed?
Residential plows make one pass down the middle and shave the top of the snowpack. They do not expose bare pavement and do not carry deicer.
Does Denver plow every residential street after every snowfall?
No. The residential program is deployed when enough snow has accumulated for the smaller plows to improve access. Main streets remain the regular priority.
Who clears a Denver sidewalk?
The adjoining property owner or occupant is generally responsible. Businesses must begin promptly after snowfall ends, while residences must clear by the next day and then comply with any notice deadline.
Verify the answer
Official Denver sources
Storm conditions and emergency rules change. These are the public-agency pages used for this guide.
More official guides