by Bethel Search and Rescue
11.18.21 BSAR Kuskokwim River Aerial Survey-Report 2021-05* *
Summary:
For the past several years BSAR has been scheduling our first aerial freeze up survey of the Kuskokwim River on November 18th. Flying the same day each year allows us to look back at previous years for comparison.
Freeze up on the Kuskokwim River in 2021 came hard and fast-closer to the time that was once considered normal: late October. The news carried stories of hunters stranded on the Yukon and barges abandoned on the Kuskokwim. By November 2nd the ice was stopped in place as far up as Aniak and Chuathbaluk. This hasn’t been seen in many years.
The heavy early snowfall was a big factor in the rapid forming of thick ice that locked in the Kuskokwim River for the winter. However the early snow fall also insulated lake and river ice slowing down the freeze up process.
There was and still is a lot of concern over thin ice hiding under the snow.
This long stretch of cold weather has been a blessing for greatly improving safe travel conditions. Although we still have a ways to go things are looking good for a safe winter travel season on the Kuskokwim.
On our 3 hour flight we had the following goals: survey conditions west of Bethel including the Johnson River, locate the downstream edge of the Kuskokwim River ice, survey the main Kuskokwim River from the mouth of the Johnson to Aniak, observe ice conditions between Aniak and Chuathbaluk where an early November high water event caused the ice to move again making it extremely rough in that area. This is what was observed:
West of Bethel – the Johnson River: no open water observed
Despite the long cold weather: grassy areas and little blackfish creeks are still open. West of Bethel much of the snow cover has blown away exposing the ice to the good cold weather.
Downstream Edge of the Kuskokwim River Ice – location unknown
We flew as far as the Kialiq River where the ice was reported to be still moving a few days ago. The Kuskokwim River was frozen down as far as we could see from there. Round pans of ice that had been swirling in the current as they drifted down the River eventually froze in place. Wonder how far upriver they came from before resting for the winter near the mouth of the Kuskokwim??
A Sample of What We Observed Along the Main Kuskokwim: *
We have many pictures of every part of the River. If you want to see specific areas please contact BSAR.
Areas of Concern in the Tuluksak Area:
Traditional Trouble Spot below Undu’s Island. Long open hole west side of Kuskokwim across from Tuluksak by Mike Napoka’s Fish Camp. Overall Freeze Up Conditions are good-there is less open water and many miles of tightly packed ice.
Miles & Miles of Tightly Packed Rough Ice – the lines along the sides are formed when ice freezes out from the shore while the channel ice continues to move downstream in the current. The shore ice inside the lines is considered a safe place to travel early in the season.
The Prize Winner:
This was largest open water observed on our 11.18.21 BSAR Kuskokwim Freeze Up Aerial Survey. This is right in front of Sonny Kameroff’s fish camp halfway between Kalskag and Aniak. A week ago it was more than two miles long. With morning temperatures in the middle Kuskokwim close to minus 30, it is quickly shrinking.
Closing:
We are on track for the best Kuskokwim Freeze Up Conditions that we’ve had in quite a few years. No open water was observed downstream of Bethel. Open water above Bethel is quickly healing up but there are still going to be areas of concern that BSAR will work with our neighboring SAR groups to get marked. Thin ice and overflow hiding under the snow will continue to be a threat to safe travel for a while. Also with the rapidly dropping water level in the River – shell ice is an ever-present danger.
In this good cold weather conditions are improving day by day. Travel conditions should be very good by the Holidays. We will continue to watch and report. This cold weather has been a blessing. Thank you and safe travels from BSAR!
* This report is not an advisory that it is safe to travel-it is for informational purposes only.
**This flight was sponsored by the Native Village of Napaimute, Ice Road Development Division.
To Report a Missing or Overdue Person Call 911 or 907-545-HELP (4357).
