tundra travel28 Jan 2023 10:53
NORTH SLOPE OFF-ROAD TRAVEL STATUS REPORT
January 27, 2023
DNR has completed an assessment of snow conditions and soil temperatures on the North Slope as related to off-road
travel on State-owned land. All tundra opening areas were sampled on January 26, 2023.
ALL TUNDRA OPENING AREAS. Snow depths have improved with recent snow fall. There is also significant wind
transport evident, and known windy areas are exhibiting large drifts along with scour. Wind slab strengthened slightly at
most monitoring stations, including the Upper Foothills. Observations for each specific area are provided below.
Eastern Coastal Area is OPEN. The Eastern Coastal Area opened January 4, 2023.
Western Coastal Area is OPEN. The Western Coastal Area opened December 16, 2022.
Lower Foothills Area. The Lower Foothills Area remains closed. Average snow depths have increased with recent snow
events. However, typical snow depth patterns have reestablished this season and two sites that are most often the last to meet the required 9 inches, are below that standard. Soil temperatures at all stations have reached -5°C.
Upper Foothills Area. The Upper Foothills Area remains closed. Snow measurements have moderately increased at all
monitoring stations; one station remains below the 9-inch opening criteria. Soil temperatures have been met at three out of four monitoring stations. One station remains slightly above -5°C at 30 cm depth
DNR will (subject to local conditions) allow access for snow/ice road and pad construction even if tundra remains closed to general travel.
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