Public urged not to drive on Mat-Su forest roads during break-up

Now that spring is underway and most, if not all of the snow has melted off, the Mat-Su area Forestry Office is asking the public to avoid driving on gravel forest roads in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley.

Well known roads affected include Zero Lake Road, 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.

Drivers already familiar with these roads know that traveling on the roads in these conditions can create deep ruts that can channel runoff and further degrade the road surface. An additional risk is that a vehicle could get stuck creating an expensive recovery for the owner.

“The main thing we’re trying to convey is that the roads are really soft during breakup and spring melt. Traffic on the roads during this time can damage them and create costly repairs,” said Stephen Nickel with the Division of Forestry.

The Division of Forestry asks for a little patience now, as it will help prevent significant damage and further disruptions, ensuring continued access to the personal use firewood sites along these roads.

Division of Forestry is asking for people to avoid the gravel forest roads until May 23.