Mid-June snowstorm closes Atigun Pass, Arctic gateway for North Slope projects

A mid-June snowstorm dropped 4 to 8 inches across Atigun Pass through Monday evening, closing the Arctic gateway that connects Fairbanks to North Slope oil fields, the proposed Ambler Road corridor, and industrial projects from Prudhoe Bay to the Willow development.

The National Weather Service reported wind gusts up to 30 mph at the pass created blowing snow and reduced visibility. Scattered snow showers continued Monday with highs in the mid-30s.

Atigun Pass sits at 4,739 feet in the Central Brooks Range, the highest road pass in Alaska and the only overland freight route to the North Slope. The Dalton Highway corridor carries year-round supply traffic to Prudhoe Bay, Kuparuk, and Alpine oil fields. It also serves as the proposed route for the Alaska LNG gas pipeline and the Ambler Mining District road, both projects that would depend on reliable year-round access through the pass.

Early-summer snow events can disrupt the peak supply season for North Slope operations. The pass typically sees snow from September through May, but June storms are not uncommon in the Arctic. Summer closures affect industrial logistics, remote community resupply, and construction schedules for projects including ConocoPhillips' Willow development and the proposed Stak data center near Prudhoe Bay.

The winter weather advisory expired at 10 p.m. Monday. Current road conditions are available at 511.alaska.gov.