Disabled vehicle blocks northbound Dalton Highway lane near Mile 86

A disabled vehicle was blocking the northbound lane of the Dalton Highway near Mile 86 Friday night, Alaska 511 reported at 7:13 pm. The listing warned of extremely slippery conditions and urged drivers to use caution.

The highway was not fully closed. Recovery of the vehicle was expected later Friday night, and the listing had a planned end time of 7:14 am Saturday.

The National Weather Service in Fairbanks canceled a Winter Weather Advisory for the Dalton Highway summits at 6:04 am Friday. The advisory had been set to run until 10 am Saturday after forecasts of 2 to 5 inches of snow and gusts up to 40 mph.

The Dalton carries a few hundred vehicles a day, according to an Alaska Legislature document. A DOT&PF categorical exclusion document puts trucks at about 60% of that traffic. The state budget office told the Senate Resources Committee this year that trucks average 44%.

DOT&PF keeps seven year-round maintenance camps along the highway. Each covers about 60 to 70 miles of road. The camps generally operate seven days a week from 6 am to 5:30 pm, with two or three operators working at a time.

DOT&PF says avalanches at Atigun Pass can close the highway for a time and leave travelers stranded for days. Heavy snowdrifts can become impassable even for large trucks.

DOT&PF posts Dalton road conditions on Alaska 511, including weekend updates when conditions are difficult. Drivers can check the event listing for updates.