Some Snow Machine Areas Remain Open in Chugach

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Seasonal snowmachine closures for parts of the Chugach National Forest are in effect beginning May 1^st. The normal closure date of the Forest for over the snow vehicles is May 1, however, due to above average snow depth the following areas will remain open:

Turnagain Pass from Bertha campground NORTH to where the power line crosses the Seward highway at approximately Mile Marker 74 can remain OPEN to allow access from the motorized lot, to the up-track, and into the Seattle Ridge area.

• NOTE: Turnagain Pass from Bertha campground SOUTH, including Johnson Pass is CLOSED

Most winter-motorized areas on the Seward Ranger District remain open. See below for trail conditions and recommendations.

• Motorized travel in the following areas is currently good: Carter Lake, Lost Lake via Primrose or Seward Trailheads, Resurrection North (road to the trailhead has been plowed), and Palmer Creek.
   
• Travel is not recommended to Lost Lake via the Snug Harbor Rd. Chugach Electric has plowed the road one-mile beyond the winter parking area and the road is blocked with a large dozer blade. This mile of plowed road is down to gravel and there is no snow.
   
• Travel is not recommended by snowmobile on West Juneau Road or Slaughter/Bean Creek for access to Resurrection South due to road plowing activities.
   
• Travel is not recommended by snowmobile up the South Fork of Snow River due to the amount of open water.
   
• Travel is not recommended by snowmobile on Trail Lake.

We will measure snow depths weekly.   When conditions deteriorate to the point of resource damage, areas will be closed to motorized travel. Areas may close with little notice, so check our website at www.fs.usda.gov/chugach or follow us on twitter @ChugachForestAK or www.cnfaic.org for the latest information.
Recreationists should be aware of weather and snow conditions before they go into the backcountry. Using the backcountry involves risk anytime of the year. Avalanche conditions may exist even in the summer.  Take a look at the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website at www.cnfaic.org for “Springtime Avalanche Tips.”
If you are going into the backcountry, tell someone where you are going and when you plan to return. Travel in a group rather than alone. Be prepared to survive an emergency situation. All backcountry users need to know their skill level and use common sense and discretion.
For more information visit www.fs.fed.us/r10/chugach or call one of our offices: Anchorage 743-9572; Cordova 424-7661; Girdwood 783-3242; or Seward 224-3374.
 Violations of motorized closures may result in a fine.

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