Winter Driving Definitions
Daily winter driving conditions are reported from approximately October - May each year.
Staff will report when adverse weather conditions permit outside of these dates.
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.
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.
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
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
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
Road Closure Road is Closed. The road is impassable due to a number of possible factors such as blizzard, avalanche, or considerable snow accumulation too dangerous for maintenance crews. High winds may be present, along with blowing and drifting snow causing zero visibility. If an avalanche has occurred, the road will be closed until debris is cleared. A National Weather Service winter weather warning/watch may be in effect. 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.

Please send an E-Mail to: dot.511@alaska.gov