Winter Break-up

Observation: A survey was flown over the Copper River where the Native Village of Eyak (NVE) operates fisheries research programs, and has two fish camps. Due to unseasonably warm weather, a survey flight was flown from the Gulf of Alaska to Bremner Flats (just above Baird Canyon and the Million Dollar Bridge) where fog prevented further survey. The river was largely open (30% ice cover) and its state was similar to what would be observed in mid-May during an "average" year. At the end of January the river is almost always completely frozen from the headwaters to the inter-tidal zone, so this is quite a departure from that norm. This observation stands in stark contrast to last season's breakup, in which the river held ice until mid-June, about a month longer than usual. When considered in the context of last year's extended ice season on the Copper River, we are not seeing any trends toward warmer or cooler winters, we are seeing very different extremes of weather in consecutive seasons, in line with what most climate change models predict. The Copper River is the economic foundation of Cordova's commercial fishing economy. It is also an area of deep and enduring cultural importance for the Native Village of Eyak's Tribal members. Finally, the Copper River Delta is the largest contiguous wetland in the north pacific and is of enormous ecological importance to fish species (especially salmon), wildlife, and is one of the most important areas for both migratory birds (waterfowl, shorebirds, raptors, etc) and home to resident populations of important and rare species such as Trumpeter Swans. John Whissel