Road Maintenance

Snow & Ice Removal

The unique geography of Douglas County can cause weather conditions to change quickly and vary significantly across the more than 1,645 miles of county-maintained roads.

Douglas County maintains a fleet of trucks capable of plowing and treating roads during winter conditions. Trucks are equipped with sanders, a plow, and deicer tanks to help treat roads. Snowplow operators are trained to safely remove snow in a wide variety of conditions.

Residents are encouraged to prepare in advance for winter storms and stay home until roads are clear and safe.

Snow Removal Priority Map

Road plowing and treatment is prioritized based on factors like the amount of traffic a road receives, if it contains emergency services facilities (for example, police and fire stations), if it is a main school bus or public transit route, etc. Douglas County snowplows service roads in three priority phases:

Priority 1: Main arterial roads with high traffic volume that are essential for emergency services. These roads include some school bus and public transit routes.
Priority 2: Minor arterial and residential roads with moderate traffic volumes. This includes the remaining school bus and public transit routes.
Priority 3: Secondary access roads with low traffic volume.

View the Snow Removal Priority Map to see the priority roads maintained by Douglas County.

Please note: If you live within city limits, your roads are maintained by your city. State routes are maintained by WSDOT. Douglas County does not provide winter weather services to private roads.

Your Role in Safe Neighborhoods

You play an important role in keeping your neighborhood safe during winter weather. Here are a few ways that you can help:

Clear snow from sidewalks for everyone who needs to use them.
When shoveling or blowing snow, place the excess snow in your yard. Do not put snow in the street! This creates safety issues for others.
Clear snow away from your neighborhood’s fire hydrants and storm drains.
Remind children how to stay safe while playing outside in the snow and to never sled or build snow forts near the street.