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Alcan in feb.
Posted by Jim in Delta on Dec 12 2005
Will, your question is so loaded with what if's that it would take for ever to answer. I'll give you me best opinions though. I live in the interior and have probably driven the length of the Alcan more times than just about anyone other than commercial drivers. Lets address your concerns one at a time.
1) Weather: February is a nasty month up here and one of our coldest months. You can expect to feel temps as high as 50 F to -50. It all depends.
2) Road conditions: They will decieve you as you head north. Expect horrid conditions in the passes. Generally the colder it gets the better the roads. Like others have said, get a milepost book and plan your trip. Road construction will be encountered around Lake Kluane in YT. Various other spots too.
3) Fuel: Expect very high fuel prices.+$3 per gallon. Use a bank card and you get a better exchange rate. Some gas stations close in winter and as you get into the northern provinces it becomes critical. I dont know what your driving so MPG is unknown, just never pass a gas station. It is better to fill up to much than not enough.
4) Damage: Figure on replacing your windshield whan you get to AK. Kicked up rocks are a regular occurance. If your anal about your pretty vehicle, get ready cause it will suck to be you.
5) Vehicle prep: Excellent tires, New belts and hoses. a good spare tire. and what ever the force tells you to take as back up. Towns in the north provs. are few and far between, If you break down your screwed. I always take my truck to a good mechanic and tell him to check everything. Make sure your antifreeze is good and a 70/30 mix not the 50/50 of the lower 48.
6) Clothing: Search past postings for how we dress for cold weather here. This post is long enough as it is. Just CYA especially if your traveling with a family.
7) Communication: I dont know of anything other than a Sat. phone that has service all through Ca. BC, and YT are the worse. Usually cells work south of there but its a killer roaming fee.
8) My opinion: I would be concerned about driving it in feb. and I have driven it before. So with your TX driving experience,(no offence) and a lack of experience in every situation you might encounter, I recommend you wait till spring to do it. If you choose to do it anyway, stay on the main road. Keep off the cassier hwy. Go through sweetgrass MT and stick to the biggest roads you can. BC and YT make Alaska look crowded. So if you break down or get off the road your more likely to be found more quickly. Carry some CA $ with you as well I regommend under $50 CA. just for the remote mom/pop shops that dont take plastic. Line up your ducks and be carefull.
Previous: Alcan travel advice Wes Walker Dec 12 2005
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