SDDOT Snowplow Naming Contest

The sixth annual Snowplow Naming Contest hosted by the South Dakota Department of Transportation (SDDOT) will open Monday Nov. 3, 2025, through Friday, Dec. 12, 2025. Over the past five winters, SDDOT has engaged thousands of South Dakotans in naming snowplows across the State. On average, the SDDOT contest annually draws 700 submissions from individuals, classrooms, and businesses.

Multiple entries may be submitted through the online form. Once the contest closes in mid-December, SDDOT staff will then vote on their favorite entries. In January, SDDOT will announce one officially named snowplow within each of its 12 SDDOT geographic areas across South Dakota. To date, sixty plows have been officially named through the contest. All named snowplows remain in active service.

As part of the contest, SDDOT also creates snowplow and winter driving awareness coloring sheets, crossword puzzles, and word finds for families and classrooms. New materials are available for download on the contest page below.

“While we cannot predict the winter weather, all of us can control how we prepare and respond,” said Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt. “The snowplow naming contest helps us build awareness about SDDOT’s winter maintenance operations and the many resources available to the traveling public.”

For more information about the contest, contact Julie Stevenson, Strategic Communications Coordinator julie.stevenson@state.sd.us.

Kids Activity Packet

DOWNLOAD KIDS ACTIVITY BOOK (PDF FOR PRINT)

Past Contest Winners

View previous winning names here

SDDOT Snowplow Blizzard Bracket and Battle of the Blades Contest Page (Photos and Videos)

A few years ago, SDDOT added the Blizzard Bracket competition during the March Madness season. The Blizzard Bracket provides additional opportunities to engage with the public and promote winter safety messaging during the often snow-filled spring months. The Blizzard Bracket includes all previously named plows.

In 2025, SDDOT partnered with the North Dakota Department of Transportation (NDDOT) to co-host the Dakota Battle of the Blades, featuring top snowplow names from each state. When the final votes were tallied, “Thaw Patrol” (named by the first-grade class at Winner Elementary) was crowned champion over North Dakota’s “Plower Ranger”. SDDOT hosted a celebration at Winner Elementary for "Thaw Patrol" with Governor Larry Rhoden joining the students to celebrate.