Active Winter Weather Event Dashboard
Use this dashboard to monitor the progress of current winter snow removal and ice control operations.
Note: Serviced roadway searches will only be available during active weather events
CDOT Colorado Travel Dashboard
Use this dashboard to help determine regional travel plans.
Open the above dashboard in its’ own browser tab or window.
Snow Removal Requests & Feedback
Submit an online request through
Citizen Connect
Contact DPW Customer Service by phone at
719-520-6460
Snow Removal Priorities
Snow and Ice Control priorities have been established on roads and streets within the jurisdiction of the El Paso County Department of Public Works with the overall goal of providing safe roads for emergency vehicles to respond to emergencies involving human life and safety.
Priority One Roads are defined as all paved roads that are identified on the El Paso County Major Transportation Corridor map as major arterials and such other road sections as defined by the Director of the Department of Transportation. There are 183 unique named Priority One roads totaling 856 miles.
Priority Two Roads are defined as roads that collect traffic from subdivision roads and allow traffic circulation within residential areas while providing channels to the major arterial system. There are 824 uniquely named Priority Two roads totaling 777 miles.
Priority Three Roads are roads that are residential in nature. These roads will be plowed when time, available funds, and equipment permit. There are 1,461 uniquely named Priority Three roads totaling 545 miles.
(Because there are so many Priority Three roads, and because they often include only certain sections of road, it is not possible to list those road names at this time. However, if your road is not on the list of Priority One or Two, then it is a Priority Three road.)
- 2024 Fall EPC Plow Map Book plus Indexes (paved roads)
- 2024 Fall EPC Blade Map Book plus Indexes (gravel roads)
- 2024 Fall EPC plows for Others road listing
- 2024 Fall Others plow for EPC road listing
While we understand the frustration that comes when a road is not plowed quickly, please be assured that our crews work in shifts around the clock to try to clear as many roads as possible, as quickly as possible.
Thank you for your understanding and patience.
Snow and Ice Control Program
We make every reasonable effort to clear snow and ice as quickly and effectively as possible. But it can be a lengthy process when heavy snowfall occurs, temperatures drop, and wind speeds increase.
The recently updated and County Commissioner approved El Paso County Department of Public Works – Snow and Ice Control Program documents how County staff plan for winter weather, monitor operations, and continuously evaluate performance.
Service Standards Summary:
- Snow removal efforts will be mobilized at the onset of a winter storm.
- The County will utilize a priority system for paved and gravel roads.
- Snow and Ice Control Operations will occur on Priority #3 paved roads after (6) inches of has accumulated on the roadway.
- Snow and Ice Control Operations will occur on gravel roads only during daylight hours.
Frequently Asked Questions
What roads is El Paso County responsible for maintaining?
Please consult the annual Snow Map Book and Road Indexes found in the Snow Removal Priorities section of this website for an up to-date listing of El Paso County roads maintained by the Department of Public Works.
How does El Paso County determine which roads get plowed first?
Road prioritization is based on many factors each of which helps El Paso County successfully complete it’s mission of providing safe winter roads for the public. Emergency vehicle passage and school bus routes are examples of the factors we use when determining a roads prioritization. Road prioritization can be viewed graphically in our Road Priority Web Map.
What does de-icing mean?
De-icing refers to the process of applying a liquid magnesium chloride solution to roadsways as a preventative measure in reducing how quickly ice forms on the pavement surface.
“CDOT has completed a three-year study into the effects of magnesium chloride on the roadside environment and has found that the product does not significantly harm aquatic or plant life. In fact, the sand/salt mixture used in the past can be more damaging to aquatic life as large amounts of silt are washed into streams. The product does not add air pollutants to the environment and improves air quality by offsetting usage of sanding material.” CDOT – FAQ
It is recommended that liquid de-icing residue be removed from vehicles following winter weather storms using soap and water.
What types of road treatments and techniques does EPC DPW use?
The type of roadway treament depends heavily on weather conditions, geogrpahy and location. Current research indicates that deicing treatments such as magnesium chloride are much more effective at restoring traction for vehicles than traditional sand-only treatments. In El Paso County, magesium chloride (salt) can be applied either as a liquid or granualar treatment mixed with sand where appropriate. El Paso County does not rely on any other ice treatments than sand or magnesium chloride salt.
Does El Paso County plow roads during nighttime hours?
Yes, El Paso County plows paved roads during both daylight and evening hours, however due to safety concerns for heavy equipment operators and motorists, gravel roadways are only plowed during daylight hours.
Emergency requests for snow removal may be made by contacting through Emergency Services 911.
Why does it seem like only a limited number of trucks work during some storms?
Weather conditions and the number of Priority 1 arterial roads in a given area will dictate how and where snow removal equipment will be dispersed throughout El Paso County. The El Paso County Department of Public Works has multiple equipment yards where deicing material and sand are stored. These locations provide efficient use of staff time when refilling vehicles with salt and sand and helps to keep vehicles out on the road and providing safe passage for motorists on El Paso County roadways.
How do I become a driver for El Paso County Department of Public Works?
Employment opportunities with El Paso County may be found in the El Paso County Career Opportunities portal.