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Public works lays out Show Low 2025–26 snow plan, routes, levels and berm-removal policy
Summary
Public works presented the city's snow plan for 2025–26 covering 14 plow routes, levels of response, sidewalk and downtown priorities and a mailbox-damage reimbursement policy for snowplow operations.
City Public Works staff presented the Show Low 2025–26 snow plan to the council, describing routes, equipment, staffing, response levels and a mailbox-damage policy.
Staff said the city is divided into 14 plow routes and has 28 plow operators responsible for clearing 250 lane miles of streets. "During a snow event, the city is split in 14 routes and 28 plow operators are responsible for clearing 250 lane miles of streets in Show Low," staff stated. The plan defines four response levels: Level 1 (½–2 inches) triggers monitoring and targeted deicer use; Level 2 (2–3 inches) focuses on school-bus routes, collectors and transit routes with light plowing and cinder spreading; Level 3 (3+ inches) triggers a full callout of two 12-hour shifts and curb-to-curb widening after the storm; and Level 4 is for severe events that impede traffic and emergency response.
Public Works noted that initial plow passes create a travel lane, later passes widen to two lanes, and final passes open roads curb-to-curb. The city will perform a courtesy removal of snow berms at preapproved locations for elderly and disabled residents who submit a snow-berm removal form; staff said the city has nearly 200 approved applications. The presenter explained where sidewalks and city-owned facilities rank in the clearing schedule (city hall, library, senior center, police, parks and other city facilities).
Staff also outlined airport braking-action tests and the option to rotate additional resources to assist in clearing. For mailbox damage attributed to snowplow operations, staff described a permit policy and a reporting/verification process: residents must report damage immediately and the city will determine whether snowplows caused the damage; if verified, the city will reimburse up to $125 for replacements (specialized mailboxes excluded).
Councilmembers thanked staff and noted the plan's staffing and warming facilities for crews; staff encouraged residents to review the plan and apply for berm removal if eligible. No council action was required beyond the briefing.
The presentation included contact information for the public works department and a downloadable berm-removal form on the city's website.
