Off-road winter tundra travel closes

Alan Bailey

Petroleum News

On April 30 the Alaska Department of Natural Resources announced the closure of the eastern and western coastal areas of state land on the North Slope for off-road tundra travel. Since the other two tundra travel areas, the lower and upper foothills, did not open this year, all off-road travel areas are now closed.

In the coastal areas snow pack deterioration is widespread, with large swaths of visible vegetation. And, although the quality of the snow cover may still be adequate for tundra travel in some areas, the snow cover is very variable across the region, DNR said. Moreover, temperatures in the region continue to rise and clear skies are enabling the sun to further melt the snow, the agency said.

Given that the snow cover may still be adequate for off-road travel in some areas, DNR will consider approving travel extensions on a case-by-case basis - travel exceptions of this type require prior approval from DNR’s Division of Mining, Land and Water.

Summer off-road travel may begin on or after July 15 for holders of valid permits who obtain specific project approval. DMLW only allows summer off-road travel using appropriately approved vehicles designed for tundra operations.

- ALAN BAILEY