They're Biting

The leaves are finally out and it has been hot. If you are looking at this from somewhere in the Lower 48 you may not think 75 degrees Fahrenheit sounds like a big deal. But after a winter of three months or more of below zero weather, it’s plenty warm. The mosquitoes are out as well though out here in Nabesna, knock on wood, they haven’t been too bad. The good news about mosquitoes is that the Arctic Grayling are biting!

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Monday, June 8, 2009

Nabesna Road Conditions as of 10:00 a.m. June 5, 2009:
Nabesna Road is in good to fair condition.

Mile 15 – Mile 17.5: The road is rough in this area with numerous pot holes.

Rock Creek – The Slana DOT crew did a great job on repairing the damage from flooding earlier in the spring – Thanks Steve.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) is dry.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) has a moderate flow of water across the road. Low clearance vehicles should use caution.

Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road.

Mile 36 – Mile 42: Conditions deteriorate and are rough but still passable by any vehicle.

Insider Tips:

Arctic Grayling are beautiful fish. Their distinctive dorsal fin and blue highlights give them a unique appearance. Grayling are fun fish to catch either on a small spinner or fly. Even a beginning fly fisherman can catch grayling on flies and they aren’t particular either. I once caught grayling after grayling on a funny pink fly that didn’t look like anything I had ever seen in nature. Usually, any mosquito looking dry fly will work well. Grayling flesh is white and very mild. It is best when taken directly to the pan from the creek.

Wildlife Sightings:

Moose x2 (6/1)

Getting Back to Normal

Things are getting back to normal on Nabesna Road. Steve DeWitt and his Slana DOT crew have done a great job repairing washouts and smoothing out channels in the stream crossings. We saw a pick-up camper and an out-of-state car with bikes on it so visitors are starting to arrive. Things are pretty wet on the trails and there's still a lot of ice on the lakes. But as you can see from this photo taken at the Slana River Bridge, Mile 1, Nabesna Road, the ice is out on the Slana.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in fair condition. The road is rough in places, especially beyond Mile 27. Shallow water is crossing the road in numerous locations. Use caution as muddy water limits visibility, making it difficult to see possible channels. Watch for erosion to the road bed. The road shoulders are extremely soft.
Trail Creek (Mile 29) There is a moderate of water across the road. The water is spread out so no channels. We recommend clearance beyond this point. Use caution if taking a low clearance vehicle across.
Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) Same as above except that there is a potential for a channel to develop. The water is spread out but not over a large area.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road. Intermittent Drainages beyond Jack Creek (Mile 35.3) have shallow water crossing the road.

Insider Tips: When crossing water on Nabesna Road it is important to maintain your momentum until you are clear of all water. You don’t need to hit the water with a lot of speed. And, if you have four wheel drive use it. Help is a long way away.

Wildlife Sightings:
Caribou (5/4)
Lynx (5/4)
Wilson’s Warbler (5/3)
Barrow’s Golden Eye (5/3, 5/4)
Varied Thrush (5/4)
Yellow Legs (sp?) (5/4)
Golden Eagle (5/4)

Winter Hasn't Let Go Yet!

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We woke up this morning to a chilly house. Granted, we hadn't stoked the fire too much last night because it has been staying right around zero. This morning we had -20F! Certainly a reminder that in Alaska, winter, or at least winter-like conditions, last through April. High overcast has moved in this morning and the forecast is for snow showers.






Road Conditions:

• Nabesna Road is in good condition
• Watch for ice at Skookum Creek (Mile 40.5)
• The Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on the road at Skookum Creek.

Insider Tips:
As the days warm up into the 20's and low 30's the snow develops an icy crust. So while the snow isn't as deep, it gets more difficult to get around on. Even though we are still below 32 degrees, on a sunny day moisture is evaporating. Still, there's a little time left to enjoy the snow and long days before it gets too crunchy.


Wildlife Sightings:
We are seeing quite a few moose right now. They are beginning to move from winter feeding areas to calving areas. The caribou seem to have moved on toward their calving grounds on the slopes of Mt. Sanford and Mt. Drum.

Moose (4/2, 4/3)
Snow Buntings (daily)
Snowshoe Hare (daily)