The record early departure of the sea ice offshore Nome (March 12), and ice gone missing from Norton Sound astounded weather experts.

“It started breaking into pieces beneath us,” said Phillip Rode.

Warm ocean temperatures are keeping ice thin, which become easily moved by the wind. This ice movement separates commercial and subsistence crabbers from their gear, and have led to the loss of both crabbing and mining gear.

No Permanent Winter Ice and Early Break Up For Nome