Snowbanks accumulate beside roads in permafrost regions, raise ground temperatures, may degrade permafrost locally, and lead to deterioration of the embankment. Field experiments were conducted at tundra and taiga sites to determine whether compaction of snowbanks by snowmobiles would reduce ground temperatures, as simulated previously by numerical modelling. In taiga, compaction affected the whole snowpack. Mean snow depth was reduced from 71 cm at undisturbed sites to 40 cm in compacted snow. The mean snowpack density increased from 185 kg m -3 to 327 kg m -3 . In tundra, compaction principally affected depth hoar: snow depths were reduced from 70 to 61 cm and densities increased from 271 to 311 kg m -3 .Compaction reduced temperatures by 2 -3 °C at both sites, despite estimated mean thermal resistance reductions of 8.5 to 1.2 m 2 KW -1 in taiga and 5.9 to 3 m 2 KW -1 in tundra, suggesting greater thermal influence of depth hoar in tundra. iii Acknowledgements This thesis is based on field experiments which took place near Mayo and in the Blackstone Uplands between November, 2020, and June, 2021, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It would not have been possible without extensive support and adaptability from a multitude of individuals and organizations. Financial support for the thesis was provided by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, PermafrostNet, the Northern Scientific Training Program, and the Northern Transportation Adaptation Initiative. Yukon Highways and Public Works provided licensing for the project, as well as support from Mike Scarizzi and highway maintenance staff in Mayo and at the Dempster Highway. Snow compaction was completed by Land Guardians from the First Nation Na-Cho Nyäk Dun, who also provided guidance around their land. Fabrice Calmels and Louis-Phillipe Roy from Yukon University provided guidance along the Dempster Highway, assisting with finding the location for the field site. Jennifer Humphries assisted with fieldwork from the beginning of the experiments, and her research experience and guidance were invaluable for the project. Emilie Stewart -Jones from Carleton University, as well as Blaine Peters, Gary Hope and Jaime Phillips from the Na-Cho Nyäk Dun also assisted with field work. Aside from being extremely helpful, everyone was great to work with and made field work much more enjoyable. Chris Burn's dedication towards his students is exceptional, his extensive support made the project possible and helped to develop my skills as a scientist. I'd also like to thank the staff and students of the Carleton Department of Geography and Environmental Studies for providing iv a kind and welcoming environment throughout my undergraduate and graduate studies. Finally, I'd like to thank my friends and family for their constant patience, support and encouragement.