Two coastal areas open for tundra travel

Both the eastern and western coastal areas of state land on the North Slope are now open for winter tundra travel. The Alaska Department of Natural Resources, or DNR, said Jan. 8 that the eastern coastal area of state land on the North Slope was open for winter tundra travel. Conditions within the area have met the required parameters of snow depths of at least six inches and soil temperatures below minus 5 degrees C at a depth of 30 centimeters, DNR said.

Jan. 9 DNR said the western coastal area had met the snow and temperature criteria and was also open.

Snow and frozen ground protects the Arctic tundra from damage in the winter, allowing companies conducting off-road exploration or development activities on the North Slope to use vehicles that are not tundra-certified. DNR has established parameters for snow depths and ground temperatures that have been demonstrated to provide adequate ground protection. However, operators still need permits from DNR if they plan to use vehicles in off-road situations.

The lower and upper foothills areas remain closed.

—Petroleum News