SRO Update for April 17, 2017

April 17, 2017 Posted by: Riley Tingue, Road Crew Supervisor

Current Plow Crew Work Locations: The crew is currently at mile 65. Since the last report we made it over the top of Highway Pass where we encountered drifts up to 10 feet and a consistent depth of 6 feet on the road and 8 feet in the ditches. Stony flats had 4 to 6 feet of snow and to much of our surprise Stony Cut was not drifted in. We made it through in 20 minutes. It usually takes us a solid day if not more. We should reach Eielson by tomorrow.


View from Stony Overlook. NPS Photo / Stacey Skrivanek

Steam Crew Locations: 5,7,36,38,50, & 56 and doing well

Snow Depths: 4'-8' Deepest encountered was 10' feet in the ditch

Aufeis Depths: 6 feet at mile 56.5

Road Open to: Teklanika Rest Stop

Equipment Status: All is doing well. A big thanks to the Auto Shop for keeping us up and running.

Current Weather Forecast

Current Weather at HQ: 19 above

Wildlife Sightings: It's been a fun filled week since the last report for wildlife sittings. Lots of quadrupeds out there

Notes/Observations/Comments: Watch out for rocks on the road if you hike/bike beyond Igloo Creek. The Pretty Rocks Slump (~ Mile 45) is more of a roller coaster ride this year than previous, so cyclists beware. Please avoid soft or muddy areas while you drive. There is a hole in the road past Tek rest stop marked with a cone and a few soft spots in Igloo forest and Sable pass. Expect to encounter equipment on the road.


A wolf at Sable pass.  NPS Photo / Stacey Skrivanek