Timing is everything when it comes to Arctic infrastructure. Each winter, ice roads unlock access to remote sites across Alaska’s North Slope, enabling essential operations in construction, energy, village access, and logistics. But knowing when to begin building those roads is one of the most unpredictable challenges facing project teams today.
Before ice road construction can begin, environmental conditions must meet the specific regulatory thresholds of frozen ground (-5C) at -1ft and sufficient snow cover of 6”. These are easy to define, but difficult to forecast. Over the years, beadedstream has worked closely with operators facing this problem. In response, we’ve built a practical, field-tested solution that reduces guesswork and improves planning.
Ground truth in real time: Ice road monitoring sets
Digital Temperature Cables (DTCs) from beadedstream are installed along proposed ice road alignments to monitor tundra ground temperatures. These sensors connect to our D605 data loggers and take frequent readings, transmitted directly to beadedcloud, our secure web platform. Operators can view updated conditions 24/7 without sending crews into the field.
This monitoring approach has proven to accelerate project timelines significantly. Federico Lier, Owner of Ninox Consulting and Civil Engineering, shared: “We’ve been able to get out on tundra 1 to 1.5 months sooner by using temperature sensors for monitoring,” he said. For project teams operating in short Arctic windows, that time advantage makes a measurable difference.
Forecasting freeze-up with confidence
beadedstream’s Temperature Forecasting Tool (TFT) combines machine learning to forecast 30-day ground temperature trends, tailored to specific project zones.
What sets this apart? Unlike broad models that provide coarse regional averages, our tool delivers localized forecasts based on actual field data. Most other forecasting tools focus on surface temperatures alone. TFT goes deeper by modeling freeze-up conditions at specific depths in the tundra, right where regulators measure for access approval.
In one real-world deployment, a road was divided into 5-mile zones, each modeled separately using our hybrid forecasting tool. The model identified that Zone 4 would reach the regulatory -5°C threshold first, enabling the construction team to shift snow and water hauling resources accordingly. By sequencing their operations based on forecasted freeze conditions, the team improved scheduling and made better use of limited seasonal resources.
Rethinking Snow Depth Monitoring
Snow accumulation is another key factor in determining when off-road travel can begin. Traditionally, snow depth is measured manually, which is time-consuming, labor-intensive, and often delayed by communication challenges. beadedstream’s Snow Depth Monitoring (SDM) service offers a more efficient solution: a sensor installed alongside our temperature monitoring stations, using the same logger for power and connectivity. It automatically reports daily snow depth data to beadedcloud, reducing the need for field visits and manual measurements.
Unlike satellite estimates or traditional sensors that often fail in Arctic conditions, our SDM is built for snow-covered, wind-blown environments. It solves long-standing issues of accuracy and durability by delivering consistent data in the face of harsh weather. This reliable, low-maintenance solution helps teams save time and make better decisions during critical project phases.
Why It Matters
Every winter operation shares one common goal: minimize delays and maximize productivity within a tight seasonal window. The sooner a project can safely begin, the more time crews have to complete their work. But uncertainty around freeze-up and snow depth can derail even the most well-planned schedules.
By integrating real-time monitoring with forward-looking forecasts, beadedstream gives operators the insights they need to make informed decisions and act with confidence. This translates to:
- More efficient scheduling and resource deployment
- Improved coordination with regulatory agencies
- Earlier starts to construction activity
- Reduced field time for crews and contractors
- Greater confidence in meeting project milestones
As Arctic projects become more complex, and climate variability continues to pose challenges, reliable environmental intelligence is essential. beadedstream’s integrated monitoring and forecasting solutions are built for exactly that.
Interested in smarter ways to monitor winter road readiness?
Get in touch to learn how our tools can support your next season in the North.
