Road Condition Definitions

Winter

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.

Non-Winter

Road surfaces are dry, damp, or wet, but without standing water and the danger of hydroplaning. Unpaved roads are not unreasonably slippery. Visibility is good. Winds are calm, light or moderate.

Winter

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.

Non-Winter

Road surfaces are wet and slippery, but without danger of hydroplaning. Unpaved roads may be slippery. Unpaved roads may be rough due to gravel surfaces, soft shoulders, or loose rocks. Potholes may be present. Visibility is reduced. Winds may be gusting over 40mph.

Winter

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

Non-Winter

Road surfaces have standing water with danger of hydroplaning. Unpaved roads are difficult due to very rough surfaces. Visibility is reduced to less than 500 feet. Winds may be gusting over 60 mph.

Winter

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. A National Weather Service winter weather warning, watch or advisory may be issued. Please see www.arh.noaa.gov/hazards.php

Non-Winter

Road surfaces are subject to flooding. Unpaved roads require four wheel drive due to rough surface, big rocks, or large potholes. Visibility is reduced to less than 100 feet. Winds may be gusting over 80 mph.

Winter

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. A National Weather Service winter weather warning, watch or advisory may be issued. Please see www.arh.noaa.gov/hazards.php

Non-Winter

Travel is not advised. Road surfaces are extremely rough or flooding. Visibility is reduced to near-zero. Winds may be gusting over 100 mph.

Road is Closed. The road will remain closed until safe travel can be resumed. High winds may be present, along with blowing and drifting snow causing zero visibility. A National Weather Service winter weather warning/watch may be in effect. Please see www.arh.noaa.gov/hazards.php

Travel is not advised. A few major highways are not maintained during the winter months. These are represented by the red hashed icon box on the 511 map. For your safety, travel is strongly discouraged. 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. A full list of these highways are available in the Winter Driving Tips, located at the bottom of the 511 website.