The Unalakleet River in Alaska has gone out early, with no one remembering it ever happening in April before. People are wondering if this means fish will come earlier this year, and are already boating up and down the river. The National Weather Service's Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center is responsible for monitoring ice breakup conditions throughout Alaska to assess flood threats and navigational hazards. The River Watch Program is a voluntary program that allows people to report on ice conditions throughout the year.

Observation: No one remembers if the river ice has ever gone out in April. People are wondering if fish are going to come earlier this year. People are already boating up and down the river.

Resource:

National Weather Service, Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center "is responsible for monitoring ice breakup conditions throughout Alaska to assess flood threats and navigational hazards. Ground observations, aerial reconnaissance, and remote sensing are sources used to assess ice conditions. Although ice jam flooding is most common during the ice breakup season, ice condition reports are welcome during freezeup and mid-winter as well." Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Alaska-Pacific RFC

• NOAA NWS Alaska RFC, The River Watch Program is a voluntary program that is... .PDF download.
• NOAA NWS Alaska RFC, River Watch Program FAQ