Snow Removal

Snow Operations 

Snow packed and icy roads create difficult driving conditions. The use of snow chains, 4 wheel drive or studded tires may be advisable. Main arterials, bus routes, and major collectors may be impacted due to icy conditions.

Cindering  

The Town Roads Department will apply cinders as a traction aide to icy roadways.

Cinders are applied to major arterials, shaded areas, problem areas and stop signed intersections. We limit the use of cinders in residential areas and flat roads.

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

ADOT crews will be applying de-icer on all state routes.

Priorities & Target Time Frames 

The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside Town Council approved a snow operations policy which sets priorities for plowing. This policy includes a goal to keep first priority streets open at all times. First Priority areas consist of the following:

  1. Main Arteries
  2. School Bus Routes 
  3. Major Streets/Roadways
  4. Minor Streets/Roadways
  5. Residential Streets 

All remaining streets are considered Second Priority Areas.

Snow Operations Priorities & Target Time Frame 

The Roads Department also set the following target plowing time frames based on the amount of snowfall received:

  • 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  

 Snow operations crews operate on 12 hour shifts and work around the clock plowing, cindering picking up snow during and after a snow storm. 

Snow Plowing Challenges

The timing of a snow storm creates many challenges. If we receive snow right before morning rush hour or the evening rush hour, it is very difficult to keep the first priorities open and passable. Depending upon the amount of accumulation, approximately 4 - 12 hours is required to plow and cinder the first priority streets one time.

Seasonal Parking Restrictions 

 See Town Ordinance No. 19-420 (Effective June 1, 2019)

A. No person shall park, or permit to be parked any vehicle owned or controlled by that person, on any street between midnight and 7:00 a.m., from November 1st to April 1st or at any time while snow operations are being conducted.

B. If the code Enforcement Officer, a Police Officer, or other designated official employed by the Town finds a vehicle in violation of this section, the officer or official may issue a civil citation to the owner or other person in charge of the vehicle, or place a notice of violation on the vehicle, as appropriate (Ord.13-368 (part)).

 C. Any vehicle and/or obstruction parked/stopped during snow operations that is found to be a nuisance on any public street, right-of-way, or easement is hereby declared to be an obstruction to snow operations for more than two (2) hours is subject to penalties set forth in Section 10.14.020 - Violations. 

"Windrows" or "Berms"

Many misconceptions exist concerning snow removal, and they vary depending on which side of the “windrow” you are on after the road is plowed! First, plowing without leaving a windrow (berm) is impossible. If the operator were to back up at each driveway and remove the berm, many people would not get their road plowed in a timely manner. Berms can’t be left in the middle of the street due to mobility and safety concerns. To protect the surface of the road, and to make room for snow from future storms, the snowplow operator must pile the snow as far off the shoulder as possible.

Individuals are responsible for removing the windrow/berm from mailboxes, residential driveways, and business entrances. Please do not shovel the snow back into the street!

Who Is Responsible for Plowing My Street?

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) is responsible for snow removal along the entire length of Highway 260, including the area within the Town limits. The Town of Pinetop-Lakeside is responsible for plowing the other public roads within the Town limits. Navajo County is responsible for plowing all roads outside the incorporated Town limits, except for the roads that are under the maintenance jurisdiction of the State. If you aren’t sure whether or not your street is within the Town limits, please call us at 928-368-8885 and ask! Or, if you already know that you live outside the limits, you can contact the Navajo County Road Yard at 928-532-6080.

Additional Information and Safety Tips

Each season is full of activity, so as you drive around our communities, please remember to slow down in construction areas and be mindful of our snow plowing equipment. 

Tips for safe winter driving season: 


* Slow Down

* Use chains, 4 wheel drive or studded tires when necessary 

* Be Patient

* Drive only when necessary 

* Be considerate of other drivers, emergency vehicles and snow operations crews

* Allow more travel time during or following a snowstorm

* Do Not park on Town streets or alleyways between the hours of midnight to 7:00  a.m.

* Keep areas in front of driveways and mailboxes clear

* Drive at least 50 feet behind snowplows and cinder trucks

If you have any questions about snow operations in the Town of Pinetop-Lakeside please call the Public Works Office at 928-368-8885.