Mud is the enemy #1 and it occurs generally in the spring with the warm weather melting the ice and at the beginning of the winter when the snows covers the ground before it freezes .

The snow is like a termoblanket making hard for the ground to freeze quickly because at least three feet of ground frost are needed in order to be operational.

I have heard from the actual operators of heavy machinery that their rigs, having totally sunk into mud , had to be dug up after the ground froze at a considerable expenses for their return because their rental cost is prohibitive .

Same problem applies in the spring having to wait until the ground is dry enough to move the equipment.

Spring brake and fall brake is the terminology that they use in the sectors of mining and prospecting and it can occur at anytime during this time due to the weather conditions.

These events are usually initiated by the local government agencies according to the road conditions by reducing or stopping the supplies transportation on roads : "Road-bans " is the name .

These conditions are fully accepted as regular working pattern and most welcome by the operators for a well deserved brake from the harsh working conditions [very cold , very hot , very wet , muddy and mosquito galore in the spring ] .