Chugach National Forest Remains Closed to Winter Motorized Use

Chugach National Forest lands remain closed to over-the-snow motorized use. As stated in the Forest Plan, normal opening of Turnagain Pass is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving (November 27, 2013) with all other authorized motorized areas on the Forest opening on December 1st. Due to the lack of snow cover needed to protect resources both opening dates are delayed until we have received adequate snow depth. We will monitor conditions and snow depth and open once conditions allow.

For mor einformation you can visit the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center website to access openings and closings and updated conditions. You can also call the avalanche hotline at (907) 754-2369 for current avalanche conditions.

Recreationists should be aware of weather and snow conditions before they go into the backcountry. Using the backcountry involves risk anytime of the year. 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.

If you have any questions, please call one of our offices:

• Anchorage (907) 743-9500
• Glacier Ranger District-(907) 783-3242
• Seward Ranger District-(907) 224-3374.

Modified dates and partial closures of motorized use will be advertised by public announcement (Forest Order 02-07-10 signed July 10, 2002).

Click here to view the Closure Orders.

Violations of motorized closures may result in a fine.

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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Copper River Highway Closure to Last Several Years

Map of the Copper River Highway in Alaska. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Bridge at mile 36.5 to be replaced before road can reopen.

(FAIRBANKS, Alaska) — The Department of Transportation & Public Facilities (DOT&PF) reminds residents and visitors in the Cordova area that the Copper River Highway remains closed indefinitely at mile 36 due to safety concerns at Bridge No. 339. This closure will remain in effect until the bridge is replaced, which is estimated to be several years away.

The 50-mile Copper River Highway begins in Cordova and ends at the Million Dollar Bridge. The road, frequented by hunters and recreationists, leads to campgrounds, a lodge and vast areas of proposed resource development.

DOT&PF closed Bridge No. 339 in August of 2011. The bridge is one of 11 bridges crossing the Copper River Delta. Naturally occurring changes to the water flow between channels across the delta led to a dramatic increase in the amount of water running under the bridge. Due to the increased amount of water, 50 ft of “scour”, or erosion, was observed at the bridge in 2011. The scour lowered the channel bottom and compromised the bridge structure, necessitating the closure.

Adverse effects due to the increased flow of water from the Copper River under Bridge No. 339 was first noted in 2009. In 2010, DOT&PF and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) began a comprehensive monitoring program at the bridge that included frequent on-site inspections and the use of bridge sensors that enabled remote observation.

Bridge No. 339 was constructed in 1977. Based on the channel configurations at that time, bridge designers estimated that water under the bridge would flow at 18,500 cubic feet per second (cfs). During the summer of 2011, USGS hydrologists measured water flows exceeding 85,000 cfs.

DOT&PF received funding in the fall of 2011 to begin the design phase of a replacement bridge; the design phase will progress through 2013, with agency permitting in 2014. Pending the availability of construction funds, the construction project could begin as early as 2015.

Private businesses hope to provide access past Bridge No. 339. For more information about access beyond the bridge, contact the Cordova Chamber of Commerce at (907) 424-7260.

DOT&PF oversees 254 airports, 11 ferries serving 33 communities, 5,700 miles of highway and 660 public facilities throughout the state of Alaska. The mission of DOT&PF is to “Get Alaska Moving through service and infrastructure.”