Dealing with Snow Drifts and Whiteouts

Alaska’s vast landscapes and unpredictable weather make driving a serious challenge, especially during winter months. Snow drifts and whiteout conditions can develop quickly, reducing visibility to near zero and making roadways difficult or even impossible to navigate safely. Understanding how to prepare for and respond to these conditions is vital for anyone behind the wheel during the colder seasons.

What Are Snow Drifts and Whiteouts?

Snow drifts occur when wind moves loose snow, creating mounds or ridges on the road. These drifts can obscure lane markings, reduce traction, and even bury vehicles in extreme cases.

Whiteouts refer to atmospheric conditions where blowing snow severely reduces visibility and contrast, making it nearly impossible to see the road or other vehicles. Even familiar routes can become disorienting during a whiteout.

Pre-Trip Preparation

Before heading out into potentially hazardous conditions:

• Check the weather and road reports for your entire route. If snow or whiteouts are expected, consider delaying travel.
• Ensure your vehicle equipment meets Alaska requirements (Vehicle Equipment Requirements) for winter driving, including snow tires, working defrosters, and emergency supplies.
• Top off fuel and fluids, including windshield washer fluid rated for freezing temperatures.
• Pack an emergency kit with blankets, water, snacks, flashlight, shovel, traction aids (like sand or kitty litter), and a first-aid kit.

Driving Through Snow Drifts

• Reduce your speed—driving fast through drifts can cause loss of control.
• Stay in the most cleared lane when possible. Drifts are typically deeper on road shoulders.
• If you become stuck, avoid spinning your tires. Instead, clear snow from around the wheels and use traction aids or gently rock the vehicle.

Handling Whiteout Conditions

• Slow down immediately. In whiteouts, you may only have a few feet of visibility.
• Use low-beam headlights or fog lights. High beams can reflect off snow and reduce visibility.
• Avoid sudden stops or lane changes. Stay in your lane and drive smoothly.
• If visibility drops to zero, consider pulling over safely as far off the road as possible. Turn on hazard lights and wait for conditions to improve.

Safety Best Practices

• Maintain extra distance between your vehicle and others to allow for longer stopping distances.
• Avoid distractions—stay focused and minimize in-car conversations or phone use. Alaska enforces strict hands-free laws.
• Understand and follow speed limits by road type, which may be significantly lower in poor conditions.
• Never assume other drivers can see you—use your lights and signals proactively.

Recovery and Emergency Considerations

If stranded in a snow drift or whiteout:

• Stay in your vehicle unless help is clearly visible nearby. Wandering in whiteout conditions can be deadly.
• Run your engine sparingly to conserve fuel. Ensure your exhaust pipe is clear of snow to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.
• Signal distress with hazard lights or a flag.

Staying Legal and Safe in Harsh Winter Conditions

Driving in severe winter weather is not only a matter of skill—it’s also a legal responsibility. Ensure your driving behavior complies with Alaska's laws to avoid citations or worse:

• Be aware of reckless driving laws, which include operating a vehicle unsafely in weather extremes.
• Avoid texting or distracted driving, which is especially dangerous in poor visibility (Distracted Driving Laws).

Snow drifts and whiteouts are formidable challenges, but with preparation, awareness, and the right strategies, drivers in Alaska can stay safe and keep their journeys on track.