Seward Ranger District - January 16, 2020

Continued below zero temperatures and scant snow has added more ice to lakes and trails. Conditions for Motorized use on Seward Ranger District are not improving for snowmachine travel other than thicker lake ice.

Yesterday Crescent Lake from Carter Lake Trailhead 300 feet off shore we measured 16+ inches of ice, our drill bit only goes to 16 inches.

Carter Lake Trail in the first ½ mile has glaciated ice preventing travel by sno-go w/o studded tracks. The 2nd glaciation above the stream has grown so large and wide and is located on an uphill curve. 

Ice cleats are a must for travel in most areas at lower elevations, if it’s not icy when you start out you will find ice soon between sea level and approximately 1,300 feet elevation.

The 2” of light fluff we received over the weekend did little for improving frozen ruts and boot prints at lower elevation trails. Classic skiing, hiking with cleats handy, and fat tire biking with studs appear to be a bit easier than skate skiing.

None the less, I hope you are able to enjoy the beauty of winter with low sun angles, alpine glow, crisp cold air, and hoar frost.

Irene Lindquist Forest Technician

Forest Service

Chugach National Forest, Seward Ranger District

p: 907-288-7748 
irene.lindquist@usda.gov

33599 Ranger Station Spur
Seward, AK 99664
www.fs.fed.us 

Caring for the land and serving people