Photos by Sue Chesnut, Michael Wasgatt, Jeff Gutekunst, Jim McConnell, Ted Ray and Others.

Snow Plowing

Crystal Lakes is a private mountain subdivision with 86 miles of private roads, in which at certain times the road conditions may require vehicles with 4-wheel or all-wheel drive, or snow chains. It is the Member's responsibility to travel the roads in a vehicle appropriate for the conditions.

The Association does not plow the snow on all roads all of the time. Plowing is done to the extent that resources and weather allow or require. The Association will begin plowing as soon as feasibly possible during periods of snow. Plowing will only occur when it is safe for the snowplow drivers and equipment to operate. Plowing is primarily done during staff working hours, but plowing may also be done on weekends and holidays if warranted.

Plowing is performed to mountain gravel road standards, not city or highway standards. The plows do not scrape to the road surface since road surfaces are not concrete or asphalt smooth. What is considered passable after plowing in Crystal Lakes is intended for AWD/4-wheel drive vehicles and may require chains. After plowing, you may still encounter areas that are ‘mushy’, or you may encounter snowdrifts depending on the wind and weather conditions.

Plowing is only done during daylight hours with exceptions that can be made by the General Manager (GM) for emergencies such as a request from Crystal Lakes Volunteer Fire Department, utility services, or government agencies. No plowing will be done in blizzard conditions as determined by the GM.

Plowing decisions are made based on the snow depth at Base Camp. The Association roads do not get the same depth of snow across all filings. Your location may have more or less snow. The Association does not have the staffing and equipment that many towns and counties have such as weekend, holiday, and night crews, thus the Association cannot provide the same level of service that counties and towns may provide. 

Please do your part and have good tires on your vehicle, preferably snow or all-weather tires. Keep your fuel tanks at least half-full, have and be prepared to use snow chains, have supplies on hand in case we get handed the storm of all storms, and monitor the weather closely so that you can make necessary arrangements/adjustments. If you only have a two-wheel drive vehicle you should reconsider your travel plans and travel on another day. If you have important appointments off the mountain, you may want to rent a room in Fort Collins.

If you are renting or allowing friends or family to use your property, please arrange for private plowing of driveways and have services for towing ready for your guests. Tenants/Guests fall under the Part-time Resident rules. The Association does not provide special plowing services for tenants. 

The Association Road Crew will not tow vehicles upon request of owners or guests. This is for liability and staffing reasons.

Everyone gets a berm. Due to the number of driveways intersecting Crystal Lakes roads, the association does not have the resources to clear berms/windrows in front of driveways generated from snow plowing. 

Residents and guests may not place snow plowed from their property onto the road. If the Association has to plow snow that a member placed on the road, the member may be charged for the cost of the removal. 

Please visit the Resource Center/Documents webpage to read the CLRRA Snow Removal Policy. 

Due to the eighty-six (86) miles of roadway, the association is divided into three (3) sections.  Below are the maps of each section and the classification of each roadways, i.e., primary, secondary.