The Coconino County Public Works snow removal and ice control team is tasked with keeping over 700 miles of County-maintained roads open and passable throughout our snow season, which often runs from November through April.
Although winter might seem far off at the moment, we would like to remind everyone to prepare for snow season now by doing the following:
Secure private plowing services
For County residents living on private roads, one of the most important winter preparation steps is to consider securing professional plowing services before local contractors become fully booked for the season. Even if you live on a County-maintained road, a plowing service can clear driveways, which is a service not provided by the County. This is especially important for short-term rental property owners who need to take care of their winter guests.
Winter Parking Ordinance In Effect November 1 � April 1: Don’t Park on County Roads!
- County Ordinance 2022-06 prohibits motorists from parking on County-maintained roadways from November 1 through April 1 on a 24-hour basis both to facilitate safer snow removal operations and to help mitigate dangerous snow related traffic congestion and parking issues.
- Residents are asked to park their vehicles 5 to 10 feet from the roadway to allow ample room for snowplows to pass. Please remove all private objects from Coconino County right of way, such as yard art, planters, and garbage cans.
- If you have a short-term rental property, then please make sure your guests understand and abide by the Winter Parking Ordinance!
For more information, please visit or scan this QR code.
Prepare your Home for Extended Snowstorms
Winter storm events in our County can last several days. These storms can cause power outages and significantly hinder travel. In the event of being stranded by extreme snow conditions, it is imperative to have enough supplies at home to weather the storm.
County residents should have all of the following items ready:
- Working carbon monoxide detectors should be located in all sleeping and common areas. Don’t forget the extra batteries!
- A minimum of three days of non-perishable food and approximately one gallon of water for each family member.
- First aid kit and an extra supply of medication.
- Personal hygiene supplies, extra clothing, footwear, gloves, blankets, and sleeping bags.
- Extra food and water for pets and livestock.
- Flashlight, extra batteries, candles, and a battery-operated radio.
- Alternate heat source, such as kerosene or wood.
- Full propane tank, if applicable.
- Extra set of car keys in addition to cash and credit cards.
- Snow shovels
- An emergency plan for the entire family.
Winterize your Vehicle
- Winterize your vehicle starting in the early fall.
- Prepare the windshield wipers, battery, and snow tires. Prepare an emergency kit consisting of tire chains, blankets, a tow strap, jumper cables, a flashlight, water, first aid kit, ice scraper, extra clothing and appropriate tools.
- Remember to keep your gas tank at least half full to help prevent freezing in the fuel lines.
Plan Travel Accordingly
- Good winter travel planning is critical for the safety of Coconino County residents and visitors alike. Stay aware and informed about incoming and ongoing storms through a weather radio or by visiting the National Weather Service website at .
- Use the Arizona Department of Transportation’s (ADOT) system for interstate travel information before you leave home.
- The County encourages all citizens to heed all NWS Winter Storm Watches and Warnings and to stay off the roads as much as possible during a storm. If you must travel, then let someone know your intended route and expected time of arrival.
Did You Know?
- Coconino County is one of the snowiest places in the United States? The Flagstaff area alone averages over 100 inches of snow per year, which ranks it among the top 10 snowiest places.
- County snow removal is prioritized on a “greatest impact� basis. The main roads (arterials) are plowed first, followed by collector and residential streets. This allows citizens mobility within the community and keeps emergency services as accessible as possible. Once these routes are cleared, residential roads, and cul-de-sacs are plowed.
- Property taxes do not pay for County snow removal or road maintenance operations! Snow removal operations are funded primarily by Prop. 403, the County’s Road Maintenance Sales Tax, and also by the Highway User Revenue Fund (HURF) also known as the state gasoline tax.
- Coconino County cannot provide plowing services on private roads.
- In the event of an emergency, however, the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office can task County plows to help facilitate an emergency response on a private road. If you are experiencing an emergency during a snowstorm (or any other time), call 911!
Snow Event Information
- Emergencies: To report snow-related road emergencies, please call 9-1-1.
- County Snow Removal Operations: For County maintained roads, please call Public Works at 928-679-8300 during normal business hours (7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.).
- City of Flagstaff Snow Removal Operations: If you have questions about snow operations in the City of Flagstaff then please call the Public Works Office at 928-213-2100 during normal business hours.
- Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT): For highway road conditions, please call 5-1-1 or visit ADOT’s online Traffic Operations Center at .
- National Weather Service (NWS): For weather information about winter storms, please visit the NWS web page at .
- Coconino County Sheriff's Department: 928-774-4523
For more County snow information, please visit or scan this QR code.