The National Weather Service warns of potential hazards due to overflow on iced-over rivers and lakes across Interior Alaska, with water depths reaching up to six inches.
FAIRBANKS, Alaska - Travelers and outdoor enthusiasts in Interior Alaska are facing a potentially hazardous situation due to significant overflow on many iced-over rivers and lakes. Measurements taken on Tuesday by the National Weather Service (NWS) revealed that the layer of water on top of the ice can reach depths of up to six inches. This phenomenon, known as overflow, poses risks to anyone venturing onto these frozen surfaces.
Senior Service Hydrologist at NWS, Heather Best, explained that overflow occurs when the weight of accumulating snow pushes the ice downwards, causing the water beneath to rise above the ice, often through cracks or around the edges. This process is particularly prevalent after substantial snowfall events, especially when these events occur in rapid succession, preventing the ice from adequately adjusting. \The recent series of large snow events has led to a quick build-up of snowpack, exacerbating the overflow issue. Best noted that the specific conditions this year, with three major snowfalls in a row, significantly contributed to the problem. Overflow water can manifest in various forms and formations, including between layers of ice and snow or between two distinct ice layers. While Tuesday's measurements across 11 bodies of water, including Smith Lake, Birch Lake, and the Chena and Tanana Rivers, showed that not all locations had overflow, and in some areas, ice had already formed on top of the overflow layer, Best emphasized that the potential for overflow exists on any large body of water in the region. She anticipates that the current overflow will eventually freeze as temperatures continue to fluctuate. Best advises travelers to remain on established trails. These trails often have compacted snow, which helps to freeze the overflow underneath, providing a safer surface for travel. The dangers increase when individuals venture off the trails and into areas with unbroken snow, where the risk of encountering unfrozen water is much greater. \Hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts are strongly advised to take extra precautions. Wearing waterproof boots that are tall enough to prevent water from entering is essential, as unexpectedly stepping into overflow water can easily lead to soaked footwear and discomfort. Best shared a personal anecdote of this happening to her during the measurements. She further recommended that if a trail is blocked by overflow ice, the downhill side should be used to cross the obstruction, as the ice is more likely to be formed and less slippery there. Snowmachines also face risks, as they can become stuck in overflow water and subsequently freeze in place when traveling off established trails. While overflow events are not an annual occurrence, Best emphasized that they are not uncommon in the Interior, where significant snowfall events are a regular part of the winter season. Additionally, Best mentioned that the presence of unfrozen water has also become a concern in the White Mountains National Recreation Area, where the Bureau of Land Management is actively working to break trails and ensure safe passage. The situation underscores the importance of staying informed about current conditions and exercising caution when exploring the frozen landscapes of Interior Alaska during the winter months
Alaska Overflow Ice Winter Weather Travel Safety
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