Sections of the Chugach National Forest were opened to snowmachine use on Wednesday by a Forest Order effective until the end of the month.

According to a U.S. Forest Service press release, sections of both the Glacier and Seward ranger districts, in Turnagain Pass, Carter Lake, Resurrection Pass, Lost Lake and the north Johnson Pass trailhead are opened to motorized over-snow vehicles “namely snow machines.”

Access to Resurrection Pass and Lost Lake area will be only via Snug Harbor Road.

The forest service encourages visitors seeking to snowmachine in the areas to practice winter safety and identify hazards like avalanche warnings and icy road conditions. They suggest consulting the Chugach National Forest Avalanche Information Center’s website and 511.alaska.gov.

Visitors also may not park along the highway and must exercise caution when crossing train tracks and otherwise avoid traveling on or around them.

For more information about the forest or Forest Orders, visit fs.usda.gov/chugach.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.