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Snow & Ice Removal
The City of Watertown’s Street Division is committed to keeping roads safe and accessible throughout the winter season. When snow falls, our crews follow a structured plan to clear roadways efficiently, protect public safety, and support emergency access. This page outlines what happens during snow events, how Snow Emergencies work, and what residents can do to help.
Snow Removal Resources
These tools help residents understand how plowing works, where to park, and how to stay up to date during snow events.
Winter Snow Reminders
Keep Snow Off Streets
Do not push or pile snow from private property onto public roads or parking lots. This practice slows plowing and creates hazards. Violations may result in fines.
(City Ordinance 18.0312A)
Sidewalks Must Be Cleared
Property owners must remove snow and ice from sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall to keep walkways safe.
(City Ordinance 18.0311)
Keep Fire Hydrants Clear
Help keep neighborhoods safe by keeping fire hydrants clear of snow.
Cul-de-Sac Snow Reminder
City crews pile snow in the center of cul-de-sacs for later removal. Do not push or pile snow from private property into these piles.
(City Ordinance 18.0312A)
What Happens During a Snow Emergency
A Snow Emergency may be declared at any time by the Street Superintendent. This could occur across the entire city or within specific zones.
Once declared:
- crews prioritize Highways (20, 81, and 212) and Emergency Snow Routes.
- If conditions worsen, crews may return to main routes (highways & Emergency Snow Routes) before completing lower-priority areas.
Snow Emergency updates are shared through the City’s website, Facebook page, local radio stations, and Notify Me (text and email alerts). During a Snow Emergency, all vehicles must be removed from roadways in active plowing zones until they have been cleared from curb to curb or edge to edge. Once a roadway is cleared, parking can resume. In the case that a windrow around a parked vehicle remains, crews will not return to clear it.
Downtown Snow Removal & Public Parking Lots
When downtown plowing is scheduled, curbside sidewalks must be cleared, and vehicles must be removed from the roadways prior to crew arrival. Crews will not return once plowing is complete. Vehicles left in the path of crews may be ticketed and/or towed.
Downtown city-owned public parking lots are available for temporary parking during Snow Emergencies. These lots are cleared on a separate schedule, so watch for updates from the City.
Vehicle Ticketing & Towing
During the winter, vehicles parked in violation of snow emergency restrictions are subject to:
‣ Ticketing – $40 fine (doubles to $80 after 72 hours if unpaid)
‣ Towing – at owner’s expense
For towed vehicle information, contact the Watertown Police Department at (605) 882-6210.
Stay Informed
Click here to sign up for text or email alerts when Snow Emergencies are declared or updates are posted.
Check for updates on:
- City Website
- City Facebook Page
- Radio and news outlets (KXLG, Northeast Radio, KWAT, The Current, The Public Opinion, Keloland, Dakota News)
Questions?
Contact the Street Division at (605) 882-6207.