The lack of snowfall in the Bethel area of Alaska has made traveling on the Kuskokwim River treacherous and difficult. Snow machines are forced to travel on mud due to the lack of snow, and travelers need to be aware of open water and thin ice. The mild winter has also caused unusual ice conditions, making travel hazardous on many rivers. However, the break-up this spring may have some benefits if ice conditions reduce the risk of flooding. River watch teams are preparing for the break-up, and the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management warns that even though flooding caused by this spring's break-up should be less severe than normal, Interior communities could still see some flooding.

Observation: Snow machines traveling on thin ice and mud in spring 2014. Very little snow fall this year in the Bethel area makes traveling in the springtime on the Kuskokwim River very dangerous and difficult. Travelers need to look out for open water and thin ice. Snow machine tracks are taking a beating as travelers are forced to travel on mud due to lack of snow. KYUK, the local radio station here in Bethel makes announcements regarding River travel hazards. It is important for our community because it involves the safety of people in the region. Ben Balivet, AVCP

LEO says: Snow conditions have been very low this winter across Western Alaska, making for difficult travel and one of the most memorable Iditarod Sled Dog Races ever; as some called it, the"Idirtarod." Ice conditions have also been unusual in part due to the mild winter. Travel conditions are hazardous on many rivers but the break-up this spring may have some benefits if ice conditions reduce the risk of flooding. NOAA has a River Forcast Center where you can see the current flood hazard for many rivers. You can also find archive data on the spring break-up dates at the National Weather Service, Historical River Observations Database for Bethel and other communities. NWS Alaska-Pacific RFC writes, "The archived data provided here have not been fully quality controlled and are considered preliminary data. Data may include changes to datum, errors due to gage malfunctions or physical changes at the observing location." The earliest breakup at Bethel was April 24th, back in 1940. The latest was June 3, back in 1964. The NOAA River Forecast Center can be contacted by email at: nws.ar.aprfc.webauthors@noaa.gov.

Media:

Alaska Public Media (2014-04-28) River Watch Teams Prepare for Breakup, "Teams are heading out to keep an eye on breakup conditions along Alaska’s largest river systems. Even though flooding caused by this spring’s breakup should be less severe than normal, the State Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management spokesman Jeremy Zidek says Interior communities could still see some flooding." By Josh Edge, APRN