Sweetgrass MT to Anchorage travel at the end of March-how will roads be?

Sweetgrass MT to Anchorage travel at the end of March-how will roads be? - Road Between Pine Trees

We are travelling from Alabama to Anchorage AK, we will be entering Canada from the Sweetgrass MT.
Will we have issues driving on the roads or need snow chains or anything like that for the vehicle?

The plan will have us there the last week of March.



Best Answer

March is still very much part of the winter along most of the Alaska Highway. You can expect to encounter snow, ice, and temperatures well below freezing. According to Wikipedia climate data, the average daytime high in March in Whitehorse, Yukon is 31°F (-1°C) and the average overnight low is 11°F (-12°C), with temperatures below -40°F (-40°C) having been recorded.

The Milepost is an indispensable resource for driving to and in Alaska. Their advice on driving the Alaska Highway in winter (Question 10 in that FAQ) is worth heeding. The full text is extensive, but here are the important points (bolding mine):

Studded tires are legal in Alaska from Sept. 15–May 1 and from Oct. 1–April 30 in BC. Yukon’s rules on studded tires are in conjunction with Alaska and BC dates. BC also requires passenger vehicles to use winter tires on BC Highways from Oct. 1–March 31 and you may be delayed, have your car impounded or get fined if you are not in compliance. While studded tires aren’t essential, good winter tires are recommended (and required by BC) as snow and likely ice, is the norm. Road conditions should always be a concern and asking what’s up ahead as you drive along is prudent. Be willing to spend the night if the weather doesn’t cooperate with your travel plans. Crews in these northern areas are well equipped to handle winter weather and roads are quickly cleared and ready for traffic after storms.

Much of this route includes remote miles. ... Phone ahead for lodging to make sure you don’t arrive during an unexpected closure for the owners (even for year-round businesses). Have a block heater installed in your vehicle and keep your extension cord handy for plugging in if the weather is below zero. Keep all of your emergency road gear at the top of your load and within easy reach in an emergency. Be sure to have flares, jumper cables, a tow rope, all tire changing equipment and heavy outdoor gear for extreme temperatures, all handy just in case you need them. You don’t want to have to unpack your vehicle just to reach the car jack, if it is -20F and you get a flat. Above all, if you are stopped along the road and unable to fix your vehicle, set out emergency flares to alert traffic to your situation and then stay in your car till help comes. Keep sleeping bags, food and water handy to increase the likelihood of a comfortable wait.

(It may be difficult to find someone who knows how to install a block heater in Alabama. You might consider trying to find someone who can do it once you get further north, though this would require you to shorten or skip a day of driving. The same goes for winter tires or studded tires, come to think of it.)

The Milepost has another article on winter driving with additional tips. This list of tips for driving in the far north in winter is also worth considering. Finally, this travelogue from April 2017 might give you a picture of what conditions will be like along the road.




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Sweetgrass MT to Anchorage travel at the end of March-how will roads be? - Empty Road Along The Mountain
Sweetgrass MT to Anchorage travel at the end of March-how will roads be? - Bird's Eye View Of Roadway Surrounded By Trees
Sweetgrass MT to Anchorage travel at the end of March-how will roads be? - Bird's Eye View Photography of Road in the Middle of Desert



Is the road to Anchorage paved?

The first 28 miles are paved, the rest is improved gravel roadbed. GEORGE PARKS HIGHWAY This highway connects Fairbanks and Anchorage and is named after a territorial governor of Alaska. The highway is 358 miles long and runs through some the grandest and most rugged land in Alaska.

Are the roads to Alaska paved?

Yes, the Alaska Highway is paved. The highway surface is paved or chip sealed (which is more common) from beginning to end, however, there are still rough patches, large bumps and plenty of summer construction to watch for.

What is the condition of the Alaska Highway?

The asphalt surfacing of the Alaska Highway ranges from poor to excellent. Much of the highway is in fair condition, with older patched pavement and a minimum of gravel breaks and chuckholes. Recently upgraded sections of road offer excellent surfacing.

Are there roads into Anchorage?

The highway route from the U.S. through Canada and into Anchorage is one of the most beautiful drives on Earth. Stretching more than 2,000 miles from the southern British Columbia border to Anchorage, it is an unforgettable journey.



Driving the ALCAN Highway 2022 | Seattle to Anchorage




More answers regarding sweetgrass MT to Anchorage travel at the end of March-how will roads be?

Answer 2

March is breakup season in Alaska and I assume you will encounter a good amount of slush/snow in Northern Canada as well. I would definitely pack chains and perhaps some sand.

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