5-1. General
The lack of roads, the soft, wet terrain prevalent in the summer, the snow and blizzards in winter, thick forests in mountains and bilk, and the innumerable waterways are some of the barriers to movement in most cold areas of the world. The ability to overcome the many obstacles to movement may well be the deciding factor in winning or losing a war in these cold areas. Mobility begins with the individual.
5-2. Influence of Seasonal Changes in Weather and Terrain on Mobility
a. Spring Breakup and Fall Freezeup
(1) The spring breakup and fall freezeup periods are by far the most difficult seasons in which to maintain mobility. The period of breakup may last from 3 to 6 weeks and will present restrictions to movement (fig. 5-1). The snow becomes slush and will support little weight. Winter roads break down, the ice in waterways melts, rivers are swollen and become torrents. Movement at this time of year poses many problems, however, movement is possible in cold areas at all times. Normally, at this time of year, temperatures drop at night, freezing the surface, and mobility during this period can be maintained. During the day caution should be exercised in shady areas as they may contain ice and snow even though daytime temperatures are above freezing.
(2) The period of freezeup with rain and open or half-frozen waterways will also present barriers to movement. Complete freezeup may take up to 3 months, often restricting the movement of heavy equipment across lakes until late January.
(3) The early winter period, when there is little snow and the ground and waterways are firmly frozen, will provide excellent trafficability for foot soldiers and vehicles.
b. Winter. The low temperatures, snow, blustery winds, and bulky clothing and equipment required during winter hinder movement as it is known in more temperate climates. By the proper use of specialized equipment for cold weather operations, mobility can be maintained. Using skis, snowshoes, oversnow vehicles, and aircraft, mobility is possible. In the barren tundra or on icecaps the hard snow found in these areas will readily support an individual on foot as well as oversnow vehicles. In the forested areas the snow will normally be deeper and the temperatures lower. The depth of the snow and the trees in these areas will prove to be the greatest obstacles to mobility. With oversnow equipment such as skis and snowshoes, properly trained, equipped, motivated and conditioned troops can maintain mobility.
c. Forested Areas. A great portion of the North is covered with evergreen forests and with numerous swamps and water courses. Few trails exist through the forests and those that do exist are of poor construction, making progress difficult and slow. The numerous waterways, once they become frozen, will normally provide excellent routes for foot and some vehicle movement. Whenever possible they should be used to the maximum for the ease of movement they offer.
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