Avoid driving on Mat-Su Forestry roads during breakup, authorities say

As winter gives way to spring and warmer temperatures begins to melt away the snow and ice, traveling on gravel roads will become treacherous.

The Mat-Su Area Forestry Office is asking the public to avoid driving on gravel forest roads in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley until roads dry and solidify after spring breakup. This includes the Zero Lake, Willer-Kash, and Buffalo Mine Roads.

These roads are extremely soft and muddy while the snow melts and the ground thaws during spring break-up.

Travel on the roads in these conditions can create deep ruts that can channel runoff and further degrade the road surface, causing costly repairs. An additional risk is that a vehicle could get stuck creating an expensive recovery for the owner.

“The Mat-Su Forestry roads are already soft with the early breakup,” said Mat-Su Area Forester Stephen Nickel. “A little patience now will help prevent significant damage and disruptions, ensuring continued access to personal use firewood sites along these roads.”