Friday, May 17, 2013

April 30, 2013 Leaving Watson Lake

Leaving Watson Lake there is no snow on the road.  The amount along the shoulder varies but no new grass showing up either.

20130430_150318

20130430_150333

IMG_4945 

The amount of snow accumulation under the motorhome varies but there is always some.  While following in the car saw huge chunks drop off.  Told Francis I’m sure we were overweight at least part of the time because of the ice.

IMG_4942-Ice frozen to motorhome

As we approached Teslin River and one of the longest bridges in Canada we were driving separately so was able to get a picture of the motorhome crossing the bridge.

IMG_4950-MH crossing Teslin Bridge

Then a view of most of the bridge from an overlook on south side.

IMG_4951-Bridge crossing Teslinl River

As the highway turns at Haines Junction (right to go to Alaska and straight to go to Haines) there is a large monument

IMG_4964-Haines Junction Mounment

The Kluane Lake (largest in Canada)  is still frozen as well as

the area around the overlook and sign.                                                                                                   

 IMG_4977-Kluane Lake SignIMG_4975

The Kluane Ice Fields are impressive and beautiful

IMG_4979-Kluane Icefields

There are several permafrost projects going on in an attempt to eliminate the extensive road damage each year.  This one is in Canada . . . did not get a picture of the one just across in border in Alaska.  It looked like metal culverts standing along the road with dunce hats on top of each.  Apparently the idea is to keep the soil under the road at a stable (cold) temperature.

IMG_4989-Permafrost Research Project.

The highway department attempts to mark these frost heaves or damaged road using flags. Note the rolling road with a flag to the right.

IMG_4991-Flag marking frost heave 

Sign showing information about frost heaves

141-4142_IMG

We also encounter several areas that were already under repair so the road was just gravel.

IMG_4992-Section of gravel (corduroy )

No comments: