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Winter Driving Conditions
Daily
winter driving conditions are reported from approximately
October - May each year.
Staff will report when adverse weather conditions
permit outside of these dates.
Also, please see our “Winter
Driving Tips” link at 511.Alaska.gov.
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Good |
Roads
are passable. Roads are mostly bare pavement and/or
cleared from shoulder to shoulder with no visibility
problems. Drivers may encounter sporadic icy patches
or packed snow. Generally snow has been cleared
and traction is good for most vehicles properly
equipped for winter driving. |
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Fair |
Roads
are passable with varying conditions. Drivers
may encounter some standing water, packed snow,
icy patches covering the surface, and/or limited
blowing and drifting snow. Generally snow has
been cleared and traction is adequate for most
vehicles properly equipped for winter driving. |
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Difficult |
Travel is challenging
for most vehicles properly equipped for winter
driving. Moderate snow accumulation on roads:
up to 3”. Drivers may also encounter ice
on the road and bridge decks, freezing rain, water
on snow or ice. Moderate winds may be present
along with blowing or drifting snow causing low
visibility. A National Weather Service winter
weather warning, watch or advisory may be issued.
Please see www.arh.noaa.gov/hazards.php |
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Very
Difficult |
Travel is not advised.
Considerable snow accumulation on roads: 4”
or more. Drivers may encounter snow drifts, berms,
freezing rain, or fog creating very difficult
driving. Moderate to high winds may be present
along with blowing or drifting snow causing low
visibility. Avalanche potential high in areas
affected by avalanches. A National Weather Service
winter weather warning, watch or advisory may
be issued. Please see www.arh.noaa.gov/hazards.php |
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Hazardous |
Travel is not advised.
Road conditions are not suitable for travel. Road
may be blocked or impassable due to considerable
snow accumulation, freezing rain, ice glaze, or
dense fog. High winds may be present, along with
blowing and drifting snow causing low visibility
or blizzard like conditions. Avalanche potential
high in areas affected by avalanches. A National
Weather Service winter weather warning, watch
or advisory may be issued. Please see www.arh.noaa.gov/hazards.php |
Driving conditions
are only reported from approx. October - May each
year. Staff will report when adverse weather
conditions permit outside of these dates.
The road condition data provided here
by the ADOT&PF and partnering agencies reflect
conditions along a segment of road at a specified
time. These observations are not updated frequently
due to limited personnel out on these highways, especially
after normal business hours. The ADOT&PF recommends
that you check a number of sources, including the
National Weather Service reports, in making your travel
plans. Also, these observations can vary greatly within
an area and weather conditions can change quickly.
For example, road conditions a few miles away from
the observation site could be completely different.
Therefore, this information should not be used as
the only factor in determining whether to travel in
a particular area.
Snowplowing,
Sanding and Deicing: Listing of roadway snow
and ice conditions is not a guarantee that ADOT&PF
has plowed, sanded or deiced any or all locations
for travelers either before or after the observations
were made. The actual determination of the amount
and timing of these services for any particular section
of highway is up to the judgment of local road maintenance
officials based on their experience and local conditions
at particular times.
No Winter Maintenance:
A few major highways are not maintained during the
winter months. Travel is strongly discouraged for
your safety. Please abide by these warnings as roads
are impassable due to extreme weather conditions and
may be life threatening. Emergency services and travel
assistance are not available. These warnings are noted
under Urgent Reports on the 511.Alaska.gov. A list
is also available in the Winter Driving Tips.
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