The Arizona Department of Transportation announced on Mar. 10 that four new names have been selected for its snowplows following the fourth annual Name-A-Snowplow Contest, which drew more than 10,000 votes from residents across the state.
The contest aims to raise awareness about the work done by ADOT snowplow operators to keep highways safe during winter storms. The winning names—Clearopathra, Blizzard Wizard, Scoopy-Doo, and Saltimus Prime—were chosen from a pool of twelve finalists and are now displayed on four snowplows stationed at the Flagstaff maintenance yard. These plows are used to respond to winter weather in Arizona’s high country.
According to the official website, the Arizona Department of Transportation manages various facilities including rest areas, snowplow operations with specialized equipment, and highway cameras for monitoring according to the official website. The department operates 200 snowplows and employs 400 operators who work in twelve-hour shifts during winter storms to clear ice and snow from highways around the clock. ADOT reminds drivers never to pass a plow, stay at least four car-lengths behind equipment, and slow down when near plows. Additional safety tips can be found at azdot.gov/KnowSnow.
About 2,300 name suggestions were submitted in late January for this year’s contest before being narrowed down for public voting. Eight people entered variations of “Clearopathra,” nine submitted “Blizzard Wizard,” eighteen suggested versions of “Scoopy-Doo,” and “Saltimus Prime” was submitted twice. These new names join previous winners such as “Blizzard of Oz,” “Fast and Flurryous,” “Scoopacabra,” “Alice Scooper,” “Snowguaro,” and “Sleetwood Mac.”
ADOT’s efforts extend beyond snow removal; its transportation initiatives aim to safely connect individuals and support economic growth according to the official website. Jennifer Toth serves as director of ADOT, overseeing planning, design, construction, maintenance, and operation of Arizona’s transportation systems according to the official website. The department also handles highway projects statewide—from Grand Canyon National Airport to southern border ports—and works with regional partners on corridor studies and traveler information systems according to the official website.
Outside winter months, ADOT repurposes its snowplow trucks for other highway projects or emergency responses by removing their blades. The agency also provides services such as traveler updates via AZ 511 system, motor vehicle support services, construction oversight, and infrastructure improvements at airports and ports according to the official website.
