Today we started our show with a warning relative to river travel from Bethel Search and Rescue. Afterwards, we checked in with KuC.
Click here for a link to BSAR reports page.
Bethel Search and Rescue Reports: A warm February combined with what seems like a neverending series of storms has damaged the river, making travel difficult and even dangerous.
• There is EXTREME DANGER in the channel between Napakiak and the mouth of the Johnson River.
• There have been two ice blow outs in this area, most likely caused by the pressure and weight of deep overflow on top of the ice, breaking it. These blowouts are nearer to the north shore. Napakiak SAR has been asked to mark them. There is also major cracking of the ice in this same stretch of the river.
• Deep pools of BLUE meltwater can be found scatered throughout the river, even in the middle. These will need longer to drain and freeze
• Large areas of the River are flooded with shallow, half-frozen overflow on top of the ice from bank to bank. This is a danger to those traveling at high speeds. Please GO SLOW AND CAUTIOUSLY if you must travel.