Winter weather conditions draw near for Elmendorf Published Oct. 1, 2009 By Jon Scudder 3rd Civil Engineer Squadron ELMENDORF AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska -- There is no telling when the Anchorage Bowl will be hit with the next large snowfall. When this does happens, members need to be aware of base procedures during inclement weather. When winter weather makes driving conditions hazardous for Elmendorf drivers, base officials have three options: Mission essential reporting: Only mission essential people, as determined by unit commanders and supervisors, are required to report to duty. Unit commanders must specifically identify who they determine as mission essential in advance. If you have not been told, ask your supervisor today. Delayed reporting: All members report for duty while exercising caution and arriving as soon as conditions permit. Expected reporting time will be specified, but it will normally be 10 a.m. Early release: Unit commanders are responsible for managing early release within their organization when the Wing commander initiates this action. The goal is to stagger departure times to alleviate congestion and to allow those who live farthest from the base to leave first. "These options give us the flexibility to balance safety and mission needs against the weather situations," said Colonel Mark Chance, 3rd Mission Support Group commander. "However, this is Alaska, and with snow and ice no stranger to the area, you can expect these options to be used infrequently. When conditions at home are severe enough to warrant changes to normal reporting times and no option has been directed, people must coordinate with their supervisors and unit commanders to modify arrival times and work schedules." When the Wing commander decides to initiate any of these actions, the command post is notified and disseminates the information and specific reporting procedures. The public affairs office notifies local radio and TV stations and also puts the information out through the Wing web page Top Cover and the Commander's Access Channel (GCI Channel 898). Elmendorf members can expect to receive the information as early as possible, but decisions will normally be made by 4:30 a.m. Elmendorf's Straight Talk Line at 552-0101 is also used to disseminate current information about weather delays and closures. If the base goes into mission-essential reporting, dining facilities and lodging will continue to operate to the maximum extent possible to meet the needs of customers, officials said. However, AAFES and Commissary facilities may be closed. Call the facilities for operating hours. A related concern is driving under snowy and icy conditions. "People operating vehicles on Elmendorf during inclement weather need to slow down and drive with the conditions of the roadways," said Colonel Chance. "Speed, following too closely, and decreased visibility are major problems to safe driving." "Nothing is more important than the safety of our forces and families," added the Colonel. Road condition advisories for Elmendorf fall into four categories according to Wing instructions: Green: Roads are clear and dry. Drivers will comply with normal vehicle operating procedures and posted speed limits. Amber: It has been determined that roads may be slippery due to snow, ice or reduced visibility. Operators will exercise caution and must reduce speeds by 5 mph below the posted speed. Red: It has been determined that roads may be hazardous due to snow, ice, or reduced visibility. Units will minimize vehicle dispatches and will only operate mission essential vehicles. All drivers must exercise extreme caution and must reduce speeds by 10 mph below the posted speed limit. Black: It has been determined that road conditions are extremely hazardous due to ice, snow, or reduced visibility. Vehicle dispatching is prohibited unless specifically directed by command authority. Only operate emergency response vehicles. Drivers of emergency response vehicles will exercise extreme caution and all drivers must reduce speeds by 15 miles per hour below the posted speed limit. Road conditions will be posted at all the gates and will be displayed on Top Cover and the Commander's Access Channel. In addition, the base is installing electronic road condition signs at various locations to keep on-base drivers aware of the current road conditions. "A good dose of common sense, slower speeds, and increased spacing between vehicles will help everyone get to their destination unscathed," added Colonel Chance.