Showing posts with label Skookum Creek. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skookum Creek. Show all posts

Friday, April 3, 2009

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)

Wednesday, April 1, 2009

April Fools (If You're Not Here!)


What a way to start April. It is in the upper 20's in the Nabesna area with mostly clear skies. There's nothing like a few days in Anchorage to make you fall in love with this place all over again. With Mt. Redoubt erupting or spewing ash and steam on a regular basis, Anchorage seemed even less appealing than usual. Thankfully, very little of Mt. Redoubt's ash has made it out here. This is a nice view of Mt. Sanford looking south from Nabesna Road. Lee took this at 10:30 this morning.


Road Conditions:
  • Nabesna Road is in good condition.
  • Watch for ice at Skookum Creek (Mile 40.5).

Insider Tips: Most of the road is still snow packed but there is a lot of dirt and rock showing through. That means flat tire season isn't far away. Make sure you have at least one spare tire in good repair with you (as well as a jack and lug wrench). We usually keep two with us.







Wildlife Sightings:
Moose - 4/1
Spruce Grouse - 4/1
Snow Buntings - Daily