Areas of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge will open to snowmachine use Sunday, though the southern portion of the refuge will for now remain closed due to inadequate snow cover.

According to a news release from the refuge, starting at 12:01 a.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1, snowmachining will be allowed in “all areas of the refuge traditionally open to snowmachining lying north of the Kasilof River and Tustumena Lake.”

In that area, the Swan Lake and Swanson River canoe systems will remain closed, the release says. Areas of Skilak Wildlife Recreation Area are also closed to snowmachines, though Hidden, Kelly, Petersen and Engineer lakes will all be open to allow for access to ice fishing — “pending sufficient ice.”

The southern areas of the refuge, including the Caribou Hills, remain closed, according to the release.

“The Refuge advises that snowmachine users exercise caution, especially on lakes, rivers and streams which may not yet be sufficiently frozen,” the release reads. “In addition, rocks and tree stumps can be hazardous in areas with less snow accumulation.”

For more information, contact refuge headquarters at 907-262-7021, visit kenai.fws.gov or visit refuge headquarters on Ski Hill Road in Soldotna.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.