The U.S. Forest Service has closed areas of the Seward and Glacier Ranger Districts to snow machines, according to a release issued on Tuesday, April 21. Due to inadequate snow conditions and to prevent resource damage, operating a snow machine within the Glacier or Seward Ranger Districts of the Chugach National Forest is prohibited.

This order will remain in effect until May 1, unless rescinded sooner.

The release notes that forest conditions vary greatly this time of year. Most trails remain open to hiking, snowshoeing, and skiing into early Spring.

The Forest Service recommends gathering essential need-to-know information before venturing out such as: safety tips, fire restrictions, and Motor Vehicle Use Maps. Snow machining and motorized users are responsible for knowing when and where they can and can’t take a motorized vehicle.

The Chugach National Forest’s recreation website offers information about all recreation activities in the forest.