State land still closed for tundra travel
None of the tundra opening areas on state land in northern Alaska have yet been opened for tundra travel, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources reported Dec. 10.
“Companies planning on constructing ice roads should consider packing the snow on ice road routes using summer-approved vehicles to accelerate freeze-up,” DNR said. “If you want to begin pre-packing, please submit a request for approval to DNR.”
DNR said that there has been very deep snow in nearly all areas and that the snow has insulated the ground, preventing ground temperatures from dropping enough to adequately freeze the tundra and thus protect it from damage. DNR expects the freeze up to be later than usual this year.
However, because of scheduling constraints, DNR has not monitored conditions in the lower and upper foothills areas.
“One project is currently being conducted in these areas and has individual approval from DNR,” DNR said. “No other off-road travel requests have been made for either the upper or lower foothills.”
—Alan Bailey
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