BACKGROUND National Weather Service (NWS) monitors ice breakup conditions throughout Alaska to assess flood threats and navigational hazards Other monitoring capabilities leave large voids in the knowledge of river and lake ice conditions… A monitoring program conducted in conjunction with Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in chartered aircraft is only done in specific locations when flood threat is high Observers in villages along rivers can provide a ground based view only in front of their village Satellite images can provide some broad information on larger rivers, but lack the resolution to fully understand the ice conditions Supplemental aerial observations from aircraft flying at lower altitudes can significantly enhance the spatial and temporal coverage of information on ice characteristics

Programs Limited participation by small group of Fairbanks pilots, Alaska State Troopers, and Fish and Wildlife Pilots Training in 2002 limited to web based materials Training presentations in Fairbanks in to local pilots and CAP Reports and photos provided by

PILOT AND AFSS TRAINING Enhanced training has been provided in spring of each year since 2005 to air taxi operators, CAP, AFSS, and private pilots. Expanded set of training materials are available on the web NWS WSO Managers are available in remote communities to provide local training and encourage local pilot participation

2005 RIVER WATCH PROGRAM The first year of the expanded program targeted and trained Fairbanks FSS, air taxi operators, and private pilots and introduced the PIREP reporting format 2005 program was a big success with about 60 PIREPs submitted!

2006 RIVER WATCH PROGRAM Increased outreach and training to new areas Developed enhanced Observers Guide Number of PIREPs reduced to 40 Possible misunderstanding due to DHSSEM charters to watch breakup Lack of reports from Bethel pilots may be due in part to infrequent contact with AFSS by Bethel pilots

2007 River Watch Program About 86 PIREPs were received Many digital photos were received

RIVER WATCH PROGRAM PRESENTATION

PILOT REPORT REMARKS CHECKLIST

BREAKUP OBSERVERS GUIDE

TRAINING RESOURCES Program web site… Feel free to request group training from your NWS contact

PILOT REPORTS WILL ENHANCE MAP DETAIL Follow progress of breakup on Alaska Weather on PBS or on web Observations of ice conditions on these or any Alaska rivers and lakes are needed The progress of breakup is displayed on the web graphically along with text reports and selected recent photos

FEEDBACK - SEARCH REPORTS ON WEB Sample of 2006 PIREPs…

CONTACT INFORMATION River Forecast Center (ANC) - Larry Rundquist Service Hydrologist (FAI) – Ed Plumb Aviation Focal Point (FAI) – Brad Sipperley Community NWS Contacts: Harry Lind ( ) Kotzebue Jerry Steiger ( ) Nome Ralph Morgan ( ) McGrath Pete Garrison ( ) Bethel Peggy Perales ( ) King Salmon

QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS WELCOME Thank You