July Snowfall and Refreeze Create Hazards on Alaska's Dalton Highway
July Snowfall and Refreeze Create Hazards on Alaska's Dalton Highway
US · Published Jul 30, 2026
Unseasonal snowfall blanketed Alaska's Dalton Highway over the weekend, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing a Winter Weather Advisory for the Central Brooks Range.
The advisory, which expired at 4:13 a.m.

Impact & Risks

The Dalton Highway, a critical 414-mile supply route, faces significant risks from black ice, particularly at Atigun Pass. The refreeze creates a transparent glaze on the road, reducing traction and increasing the likelihood of accidents, especially on steep grades of up to 12%. Drivers unprepared for winter conditions in July, such as those without chains or winter tires, are at heightened risk. The lack of cell coverage and long gaps between fuel stops further compound the dangers for stranded motorists.

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