Tundra travel closed on North Slope

Petroleum News

Effective May 19, off-road tundra travel on the North Slope is closed for the season.

The Alaska Department of Natural Resources' Division of Mining, Land and Water said in a May 19 release that the western coastal area is no longer suitable for off-road travel due to widespread snowpack deterioration.

The division gave notification of closing of the eastern coastal area May 16, also citing widespread snowpack deterioration.

In both cases the division said while there may be localized areas with good snow quality, cover is widely variable and warm air temperatures will continue to compromise snowpack over the next week. DNR will consider travel extensions on a case-by-case basis where snow is adequate, but exceptions must have prior approval from an authorized representative.

The division closed the Upper Foothills to off-road winter tundra travel on May 10. The Lower Foothills never opened this winter season.

The earliest date for summer off-road travel is July 15. Approval applies to holders of valid permits with specific project approval and is limited to vehicles approved by the division for summer off-road travel.

--Petroleum News