Bethel Search and Rescue says that some trails are now open for hunting or traveling, due to the recent chill, but warn that not all trails are ready for full-time traffic.
Search and Rescue volunteers from communities in the region have been surveying the ice thickness on the Kuskokwim in between villages.
Most inter-village trails are back trails, and run overland instead of on the river. They add that most of these trails are rough because of four-wheeler traffic in warm weather.
The trail between Bethel and Napaskiak has been marked, and the ice is 8 - 12 inches thick on the trail.
There is an established trail from Bethel to Akiachak through Hangar Lake and the Gweek River.
The Bethel to Kwethluk trail goes through Straight Slough, then through Church and Kuskokwak Sloughs. Search and Rescue also warns that there is no trail upriver past Kwethluk, and that there are several unmarked open holes in that section of Kuskokwak Slough. There is still no trail from Bethel to Akiak or Tuluksak.
Search and Rescue also warns there is shell ice in the Lower Kuskokwim due to high water freeze-up, and adds that it's still early in the season. There are still many unmarked open holes and thin areas on the river.
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