Fountain, Colo. – As this week’s rain gives way to snow and ice, the city’s Public Works department is using the wet weather to get ready for the winter snow‑removal season. The effort centers on the fifth annual Fountain Snow School, a hands‑on training program that teaches drivers how to operate snowplows and maintain the equipment needed for safe snow‑clearing operations.
Expanded driver roster
Thirty‑six‑month‑old snow‑school classes this year will include a dozen drivers. That number reflects the city’s goal of having enough qualified operators for a full call‑out during snow events – a capability that some neighboring public‑works agencies have struggled to maintain consistently since the pandemic began.
Mix of experience and fresh talent
Training supervisor Adam Carpenter explained that the department is relying more on younger, less‑experienced drivers this season. “Some of our experienced drivers have transitioned out to their next phases in life,” he said. “And so, we’ve got some new ones in. But of the new ones that we do have, we’ve brought in two that actually have many years of plowing and winter and public works service under their belt already.”
One of the newer drivers, Dan Arroliga, is in his second year with the department. He said he enjoys learning to handle a snowplow and appreciates the camaraderie during snow events, while emphasizing the need for caution. “The hardest thing is just understanding the size of the truck that you’re driving, and just the plow and the sand, and understanding that even from what you can see, it’s probably about double the size of what you’ve got to manage and pay attention to,” Arroliga said.
First‑time plowing on Southmoor Drive
One tangible outcome of the upcoming season’s preparation is the ability to plow a mile‑long stretch of Southmoor Drive near the maintenance facility. The road has not been cleared since 2020, when erosion concerns forced its closure. With the new training and additional drivers, the city expects to keep that corridor open and safe for residents during winter storms.
Community impact
By expanding its snow‑school program and bolstering the driver pool, Fountain aims to protect local commuters, businesses, and emergency responders from hazardous road conditions. The city’s proactive approach reflects a broader commitment to maintaining essential services and ensuring that families can travel safely during the colder months.
Residents can expect regular updates on road conditions and snow‑removal schedules as the season progresses. The Public Works department encourages anyone with concerns about specific routes or parking to contact the city’s 311 service.
Original reporting: KRDO (Colorado Springs metro) — read the source article.
