Pennington County Highway crews work throughout the winter to keep county roads as safe and passable as possible. Our goal is simple: clear roads, protect property, and help you get where you need to go safely.
This page explains how snow removal works on county roads, how you can help, and where to find route maps and updates.
Snow Removal Policy
Pennington County follows an adopted snow removal policy that guides when and how crews respond to winter storms.
This policy outlines priorities for different types of roads, plowing and sanding practices, and general expectations during snow events.
Where We Plow
Pennington County Highway maintains county roads in rural areas and in certain unincorporated communities, such as Rapid Valley. Some roads in Pennington County are maintained by cities or the South Dakota Department of Transportation.
If you are unsure if our department maintains your road, you can check the County snow removal route maps here or contact the Highway Department.
When Plows Are Dispatched
In general, county plows are dispatched when winter weather creates hazardous travel or when accumulated or forecasted snowfall reaches operational thresholds.
- When more than 2 inches of snow is indicated in the forecast, crews prepare to respond and may begin plowing operations as conditions require, especially in residential areas that Pennington County maintains, such as Rapid Valley.
- Response timing and route priorities depend on storm severity, temperature, wind, time of day, and available staff and equipment.
For specific details, please refer to the Snow Removal Policy.
How You Can Help
Your actions at home can make a big difference in how safely and quickly roads are cleared.
If you live in a county maintained residential area
If you live in a residential area where Pennington County Highway handles snow removal, such as Rapid Valley, please:
- Move vehicles off the roadway and into driveways or other off-street parking when more than 2 inches of snow is forecast, or when snow is actively falling and plows may be out.
- Plan ahead by organizing vehicles so you can leave in the order you need to, while keeping cars off the street during plowing.
- Share the message with family members and neighbors, especially if there are multiple vehicles at the home.
Keeping streets clear of parked vehicles helps plow operators work more safely, improves the quality of plowing, and helps protect your vehicle and your neighbors.
For all county residents
On any county road, you can help by:
- Giving plows space
Stay back from plows, avoid passing whenever possible, and remember that plows may need to turn, back up, or make multiple passes. - Watching for limited visibility
Snow clouds, darkness, and blowing snow can make plows and other vehicles difficult to see. Turn on your lights and drive with extra caution near equipment. - Staying informed
Check weather forecasts and County alerts before you travel, and allow extra time during and after storms.
What Not To Do
To keep roads safe for everyone, please avoid the following on county maintained roads:
- Do not block the roadway with parked vehicles during snow events, especially in residential areas that Pennington County plows.
- Do not ignore warning signs or cones that indicate plowing or maintenance work is underway.
It is also unlawful to push, pile, dump, place, or dispose of snow on County or public highways, roads, or right-of-ways. For full details, please see Ordinance 32.
Stay Informed: Alerts and Updates
Pennington County provides several ways to stay informed about snow removal updates and winter road information.
- Snow Removal Landing Page
You are here. Bookmark this page for policy information, route maps, and reminders. - Facebook
Highway Department updates, photos, and seasonal reminders.
facebook.com/PennCoHwy - Text Alerts
Receive text messages about snow events that may lead to plowing on county roads.
Text PCSnow to 888777
For additional questions about snow removal on county-maintained roads, please contact the Pennington County Highway Department.