Denver’s Department of Transportation and Infrastructure continues to dig the city out after a spring snowstorm dumped almost a foot of snow on the Mile High City.

The department’s response began Wednesday night, activating its large snowplows to deal with snow as it fell on major roads. They remained on duty Friday as well, according to DOTI Marketing and Communication’s Director Nancy Kuhn.

The city also activated its fleet of smaller snowplows. These 4×4 trucks with a snowplow on the front are responsible for clearing residential roads.

“[These crews] started work at 3 a.m. Thursday working 12-hour shifts,” Kuhn said. “They’ll be able to reach each residential street three times before wrapping up today.”

One unavoidable aspect of snow plowing operations is the creation of snow berms. Residents with sidewalks on main roads often find their workload doubled after a snowplow comes through, launching snow from the road onto their sidewalks.

Plow drivers work hard to avoid creating berms like this, Kuhn said, but when so much snow falls and sticks, it is unavoidable. However, as roads become clearer, drivers have been able to shift their focus to “detail work,” clearing corners and turn lanes.

Though almost a foot fell, the snow from Wednesday’s storm may not stick around for long.

“With ambient and pavement temperatures hovering right around freezing through most of this snow event, our roads became wet and slushy,” Kuhn said. “We’re seeing some good melting and that will be furthered by temperatures starting to climb this week.”

But that doesn’t give residents or businesses a pass on clearing their sidewalks. Residents have until the day after snow stops falling to shovel — including sidewalk ramps and bus stops — while businesses must clear immediately.

If out of compliance with this, Kuhn said inspectors will leave time stamped notices at properties. After a posted notice, businesses have four hours to clear the snow while residences have 24 hours. Should the notice be ignored, a fine of up to $150 may be issued.

“Senior citizens, people with disabilities, parents with strollers and mail carriers — just to name a few — struggle to navigate hazardous walkways,” Kuhn said. “We need to do our part to make our community safe and accessible for all.”

Not everyone is capable of clearing their own sidewalks, whether through age, disability or another ailment. For those individuals, Denver’s Agency for Human Rights and Community Partnerships Snow Angels are here to help.

The Snow Angels are a volunteer organization who will clear snow on front sidewalks only, so as to help residents avoid fines. In order to be eligible, applicants must be a resident of Denver, be physically unable to shovel or be financially unable to pay for a snow clearing service.

The Snow Angels will not, however, clear fallen branches or shovel driveways and front walks. If you think you may be eligible, call Denver’s Snow Angels at 720-913-SNOW (7669) or email them at [email protected].