Don’t drive on the Kuskokwim River until further notice.
That’s the latest warning from Bethel Search and Rescue. Warm temperatures have weakened the ice, making it very dangerous for any car or truck to drive on it. According to BSAR President Mike Riley, people should only drive snowmachines or four-wheelers on the river during the day. Riley says that it’s hard to tell if there is open water or just surface water at night.
Riley says that the ice could become even thinner as temperatures rise. BSAR says that the ice measures just a foot or less in many areas.
That’s not the only impact from warm weather in March. The Kuskokwim 300 Race Committee canceled its last local races because of warm temperatures. Instead, they will redistribute the money into next year’s local races.