Village of Ruidoso Prepares for Winter with Updated 2024-2025 Snow and Ice Removal Plan
The Village of Ruidoso has unveiled its comprehensive 2024-2025 Snow and Ice Removal Plan, designed to ensure the safety and accessibility of roads, sidewalks, trails, and essential services during winter storms. The plan emphasizes coordination among Village departments and outlines detailed procedures to handle snow and ice efficiently.
Key Objectives of the Plan
Maintain Accessibility: Ensure Village roads, sidewalks, and trails remain clear and safe.
Essential Service Continuity: Clear snowfall to keep vital services running smoothly.
Uniform Emergency Response: Standardize procedures for handling severe snow and ice events.
How the Plan Works
Preparation and Activation
The Streets Manager, under the supervision of the Public Works Director, monitors weather reports and coordinates response efforts. Upon notice of an approaching winter storm, the highest-ranking Ruidoso Police Department (RPD) officer on duty initiates notifications of hazardous road conditions. A chain of communication ensures swift action, including mobilizing crews, equipment, and materials.
Plowing Priorities
Snow removal follows a tiered system:
State Highways: Sudderth and Mechem Drives are prioritized, with support from the New Mexico Department of Transportation if needed.
Arterial and Collector Streets: Includes the airport runway and apron.
School Bus Routes: Ensures safe transit for students.
Neighborhood Streets and Parking Lots: Managed by the Village of Ruidoso.
Additional Routes: Assigned as necessary by the Streets Manager.
Snow Plowing Process
Crews plow roads strategically based on location:
Major roads, such as Sudderth Drive, are plowed to the center or specific sides.
Residential streets are cleared to each side.
Collaboration Across Departments
Public Works and Streets Teams
Monitor weather conditions and assign snow removal shifts.
Maintain equipment readiness and oversee emergency housing for crew members during extended operations.
Ruidoso Police and Fire Departments
Report hazardous conditions to central dispatch.
Provide operational support and temporary accommodations for snow removal crews.
Parks and Recreation
Clear sidewalks, stairways, and trails.
Set up rehab areas at the Community Center during major storms.
Sierra Blanca Regional Airport
Ensure safe operations using plow trucks—no salt or chains are permitted on the runway.
Resources and Equipment
The Village is well-equipped to handle snow and ice removal with:
4 dump trucks, 4 pickups with salters, 10 pickups with plows, 2 motor graders, 3 snowblowers, and more.
200 tons of salt for temperatures above 18°F and 100 tons of ice slicer for temperatures down to 0°F.
Stay Safe This Winter
Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow these winter weather tips:
Monitor road conditions at NMroads.com.
Allow extra travel time and increase following distances.
Avoid cruise control and always carry an emergency kit in your vehicle.
Never crowd snowplows as they work to clear the roads.
By updating its Snow and Ice Removal Plan, the Village of Ruidoso is committed to providing safe and efficient winter storm responses, ensuring the community remains prepared and resilient throughout the season.
Document(s): 2024-2025 Village of Ruidoso Snow and Ice Removal Plan (PDF)
