Off-road closure for Upper Foothills

The Upper Foothills is no longer open for off-road travel, effective immediately, the Alaska Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Mining, Land and Water said in a May 3 release.

The division said snow pack deterioration in the area is widespread, with large swaths of vegetation visible. While snow quality can be good in localized areas and may support tundra travel, snow cover varies across the area, and with air temperatures continuing to warm and clear skies, the sun is further compromising the snow pack.

The closure was effective at 10 a.m. May 3, and the division said all off-road travel in progress must be completed within 72 hours.

The division said it would consider travel extensions on a case-by-case basis, but with exceptions requiring prior approval of an authorized representative of the division.

The western and eastern coastal areas are still open for off-road travel.

The division said summer off-road travel may begin July 15, but applies only to holders of valid permits with specific project approval. Such approval is limited to vehicles approved by the division for summer off-road travel.

- Petroleum News