Safety on the ice road on Big Lake

WASILLA — As spring continues to unfold, so does the ever-changing, Alaskan weather. While winter presents its own unique challenges for Valley drivers, the spring stands out with its own set of conditions that call for caution.

The constant clash between warm days and cold nights results in thaws and refreezes, leaving slick spots across the roadways.

Dan Mayfield is a longtime Big Lake resident and one of several local volunteers who actively monitor, plow, and report conditions of the Big Lake ice road, commonly referred to as the “Ice 5” across town as a play on words hearkening to the Interstate 5, or I-5 highway system in the Lower 48.

“It’s a community effort to keep the road in good shape,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield and his wife, Cathy, are some of the primary volunteers who measure the ice road’s thickness periodically to ensure safe transportation across the frozen body of water. He said they’re typically looking for 10 to 12 inches of good, clear ice for regular traffic.

“We publish those results and leave it up to folks to whether they want to travel or not,” Mayfield said. “We monitor the thickness of the ice and the quality of the ice to make sure people are safe.”

According to Mayfield, the ice road is an invaluable asset to the Big Lake community. He said there are a number of cabins that can only be accessed via boat in the summer or ice road during the winter and early spring. More than that, he said it strengthens their local economy. Plus, it’s widely used for outdoor recreation for a number of activities community members look forward to every year.

“It’s absolutely a gigantic deal. It really opens commerce to the lake during the wintertime,” Mayfield said.

Mayfield has been involved with the ice road and other local voluntary efforts like trail grooming with the Big Lake Trails Inc. He said they coordinate with state parks management and other local groups and individuals to improve the quality of life in the community.

Mayfield noted that the ice road is currently in good shape, expecting it to be safe to use until mid to late April. He said it all depends on the weather.

As for the paved roads Valley residents make their way across every day, Mayfield said that he’s noticed spring’s tendency to leave slick spots amid the melting process. He said it’s just something that people need to be mindful of, especially since the overall conditions fluctuate year to year.

“The only thing maybe a little critical I can say is that DOT needs to get on some of those potholes that they need to be on top of. For the most part, the roads are in fairly good shape,” Mayfield said. “Every year varies… Otherwise, it’s a pretty normal spring, and hopefully, we have a good springtime thaw.”

Contact Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman reporter Jacob Mann at jacob.mann@frontiersman.com