Winter Road Maintenance & Snow Plowing in Crystal Lakes

Crystal Lakes is a private mountain community with over 86 miles of gravel roads subject to extreme weather conditions. Snow removal is a critical service—but it comes with unique challenges due to terrain, limited resources, and safety considerations. This page outlines how CLRRA manages snow plowing, what residents and guests should expect during the winter months, and how you can prepare for safe travel within the community.

Road Conditions & Vehicle Responsibility

Crystal Lakes' roads are private, unpaved, and often require 4-wheel drive (4WD), all-wheel drive (AWD), or snow chains—especially in winter. It is each member’s responsibility to drive a vehicle suited for mountain conditions.


When and Where We Plow

Snow plowing is not guaranteed for all roads at all times. Plowing operations depend on available resources, staff, and weather conditions.

  • Plowing typically occurs during daylight and regular staff hours.
  • Plowing may happen on weekends or holidays if warranted.
  • No plowing occurs during blizzards, as determined by the General Manager (GM).
  • Exceptions for emergency plowing may be made at the GM’s discretion (e.g., fire, utility, or agency requests).


Mountain Road Standards

We plow to mountain gravel road standards, not city or highway levels.

  • Plows do not scrape to bare ground, as our roads are not paved.
  • Even after plowing, roads are only considered passable for AWD/4WD vehicles, and may still require chains.
  • Conditions like slush, soft spots, and snowdrifts may persist due to wind and variable snowfall.


Snow Depth & Plowing Decisions

Plowing decisions are based on measured snow depth at Basecamp, not individual property conditions. Snowfall can vary widely across filings. The Association does not have the resources of a municipality (e.g., night crews, 24/7 staffing), and service levels reflect that reality.


Prepare for Winter Travel

Members and guests should prepare vehicles and make travel plans accordingly:

  • Use snow or all-weather tires.
  • Keep gas tanks at least half full.
  • Carry and know how to use snow chains.
  • Have emergency supplies in your vehicle.
  • Monitor weather forecasts and avoid travel during severe storms.
  • If you drive a 2WD vehicle, reconsider travel during snow conditions.
  • For off-mountain appointments during storms, consider staying overnight in Fort Collins.


Guests, Renters, and Driveway Plowing

If you rent your property or host guests:

  • Arrange for private driveway plowing.
  • Make guests aware of road and vehicle requirements.
  • Have towing services ready for guests.
  • Guests fall under Part-Time Resident rules.
  • The Association does not provide special plowing for guests or tenants.


Vehicle Towing

The Association Road Crew does not tow vehicles for members or guests—due to liability and staffing constraints.


Driveway Berms

Everyone gets a berm.
With hundreds of driveways intersecting Crystal Lakes roads, the Association cannot clear berms left at driveways during plowing.


Don’t Push Snow into the Road

Members and contractors may not push snow from driveways onto the road.
If the Association must remove snow dumped onto the road by a property owner, the owner may be billed for removal costs.


Snow Removal Policy

For full snow removal guidelines, visit the Resource Center / Documents page and review the CLRRA Snow Removal Policy.


Snow Plow Route Maps

Crystal Lakes is divided into three plow sections. View the maps below to see:

  • Section boundaries
  • Road classifications (Primary, Secondary)