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Western coastal area open for tundra travel
The Alaska Department of Natural Resources has opened the western coast area of the North Slope for off-road tundra travel on state land. Snow and soil temperature conditions at all monitoring stations are adequate for the opening of tundra travel, DNR said on Dec. 23.
The eastern coastal area remains closed because, although soil temperatures are low enough for opening that area, only four of the six monitoring stations are reporting a deep enough snow cover. Coastal areas of state land require at least six inches of snow and ground temperatures of 23 F or less at a 30-centimeter depth for off-road travel.
Upper foothills likely to open soon Lack of sufficient snow is also preventing the opening of the lower foothills area — temperatures are sufficiently low but snow depths have not yet reached the foothills depth threshold of nine inches, DNR said. However, the upper foothills look likely to open within the next week or two, since that area has sufficient snow cover and ground temperatures are moving toward the 23 F threshold.
DNR says that the majority of ice roads being constructed for this year’s exploration season are in the western coastal region but that the department has granted a site-specific authorization for an ice road in the eastern coastal region. Construction of a snow road from Franklin Bluffs within the lower foothills area has been underway for several weeks, DNR said.
DNR recommends that companies interested in pre-packing roads contact the department for guidance and for up-to-date information about conditions in the area of planned road construction. Pre-packing of roads requires DNR approval.
—Alan Bailey
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