Avalanche work brings intermittent closures to Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway

The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities is doing avalanche mitigation work at Atigun Pass on the Dalton Highway on Friday, bringing down snow from avalanche starting zones on the slopes above the road. Crews are working from noon to 4 pm between Milepost 241 and Milepost 245.

Drivers should expect intermittent closures and delays, according to a high-importance Alaska 511 alert. The alert does not say how long each closure will last. The department's Snow Avalanche Programs page says it cannot estimate individual delay times, but typical delays run about 45 minutes, with longer ones possible.

The Dalton Highway runs 414 miles from Livengood to Deadhorse and stays open year-round. The department's Dalton Highway page warns that in winter, avalanches at Atigun Pass can close the road and leave travelers stranded for days.

The department also uses electronic sign boards in some locations to display avalanche notifications. Drivers can check current road conditions at 511.alaska.gov or by calling 511.