Rawlins Snow Plan
Our Goal
When winter weather hits, our Public Works team works hard to keep Rawlins’ most important roads safe and open. We focus first on ensuring emergency routes, school zones, and main travel corridors stay passable so essential services and daily life can continue — even in tough Wyoming conditions.
Our goal is to have Priority 1 and 2 routes plowed and sanded/de-iced as soon as possible, influenced by the severity of the storm. We aim to have all remaining priority streets plowed within three working days after a typical storm.
In emergency situations (injury, illness, fires), plows are dispatched with first responders to ensure access.
Our Priorities
Rawlins maintains about 85 miles of streets. Because of high winds and 50+ inches of average annual snowfall, we use a priority system to use our resources wisely considering the high cost of equipment and crews:
Priority 1: Emergency routes and largest roads - plowed and sanded first
Priority 2: Primary collectors and key connectors
Priority 3: Streets to give access into neighborhoods
Priority 4: Neighborhood roads; generally not plowed unless heavy drifting or safety concerns occur.
The snow removal plan was designed so very few residents have to go more than a few blocks to get to a plowed street. Because of strong winds, cleared streets may drift shut again — we return to priorities as needed.
You can find a map of the priority roads and our full snow removal plan at www.rawlinswy.gov/snow , or by visiting City Hall or Public Works. The map is also on this post.
Our gravity plows ride on top of the snowpack to protect water valves, manholes, and pavement. Removing snow to bare asphalt can cause damage.
What about severe snow?
When we receive 12 inches or more of snow in 24 hours, our Severe Snow Plan goes into effect. Learn more at rawlinswy.gov/severesnow
The city may issue various alerts to help notify and protect our residents. Sign up for news via email or text at www.rawlinswy.gov/notifyme for “City of Rawlins News.”
*A snow emergency or travel advisory may be issued.
*During a snow emergency, Priority 1 routes are enforced with “No Parking” to allow plows full access. These are marked with signs. Parking can resume once plowing is complete.
*During a travel advisory, please limit travel unless necessary and urgent.
*Crews may shift to staggered 24-hour operations.
How You Can Help!
Everyone plays a part in keeping Rawlins safe:
Drive safely: Brake slowly, allow extra distance, watch for pedestrians, and plan extra travel time.
