Kuskokwim River Conditions – Traveling by Truck or 4-Wheeler Is Very Good

Now that we have had below zero temperatures for well over a week, all the ice that melted from the extreme warmer temperatures in late January and early February refroze and is as smooth as a baby’s behind…at least it was.  While the east coast was getting battered with near zero temperatures, we were in the mid 40’s much of the time.

Here’s a report by Mark Leary who was out marking the trail the past few weeks; who by the way, was able to make it from Bethel to Napaimute in a little over three hours:

Best trail is Straight Slough up the main river through Kuskuquak. Pick up the Kalskag road at the Christmas tree marker below Tukuksak. Pick up the Napaimute road at the Christmas tree marker at Chuathbaluk.
Road goes through the short cut across from Bogus – not by the main channel. Watch for the open hole on the main channel side of the island going into the short cut – only the lower end of it is marked – not the main channel side. It was too rough before – didn’t need markers. I asked Tuluksak to add markers to the main channel side of this open hole as there was a report of a truck going near it on Sunday.
Also do not go around Tony Hall’s bend above Akiak. I don’t know the status of the unmarked open hole that was still there at the end of January. Truck trail goes right up through both the 1st and 2nd shortcuts above Akiak. It has a few tree markers and then is marked good with trees the rest of the way to Tuluksak.
Although conditions a very good for traveling on the river – caution should still be used:  With the dropping water levels in the river, drivers should use watch for dropped ice when going over sandbars or through sloughs.River conditions below Napaimute in mid-February.  Iron was dragged to mark the trail - but it was so smooth it didn't "scratch the surface".
River conditions below Napaimute the second week of February. Iron was dragged with the intent of marking the trail – but it was so smooth and hard that it didn’t even  “scratch the surface”.
Shelly Leary on the river after a dusting of snow February 17 withe Napaimute in the background.

Shelly Leary on the river after a dusting of snow February 17 with Napaimute in the background.

Conditions at Aniak on February 18.

Conditions at Aniak on February 18.

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Photo taken January 18 during one of the four meltdowns so far this winter.

Trail Grant Program Public Notice

Public Notice

Trail Grant Program

The Alaska State Park trails grant applicant listed below provides this public courtesy notice. If you have any questions or comments about the proposed grant application, please contact the grant applicant.  Grant applicants should post this notice for at least three weeks prior to the application deadline.

Posting Date October 15, 2013.

1.   Grant Applicant Contact Information:

Name of Organization or Agency: Napaimute Traditional Council

Contact Person: Mark Leary

Mailing Address: PO Box 1301, Bethel, AK 99559

Phone: (907) 545-2877; Napaimute Office (907) 222-5058

Fax:

Email: napaimute@gci.net

2.   Project Title: Napaimute Trail System

3.   Project Description: The Napaimute Traditional Council is pursuing a trail grant from the Alaska Department of Natural Resources for 2014 and 2015.  The grant is for the development and maintenance of the winter trails of the Napaimute Trail System that includes the trail running along the Kuskokwim River from Kalskag to Crooked Creek.  Any trail grant funds received will be used for identifying, clearing, and marking trails public use for travel and recreation.  To offer support or if you have questions, contact Mark Leary at napaimute@gci.net.

4.   Project Location:

a. Identify the nearest community(ies) Kalskag, Aniak, Chuathbaluk, Napaimute, Crooked Creek

b.  Attach a map showing the location of your proposed project (page two of this notice)

c.  Provide the meridian, township(s), range(s) and section(s) from a USGS topographical map

5.   Future Notice: To view a list of the grant applications in your area, visit the State of Alaska, Department of Natural Resources, Division of Parks and Outdoor Recreation web site at www.alaskastatetrails.org

Created by Readiris, Copyright IRIS 2005

May 11 River Conditions At Aniak

The open water sections are rapidly increasing around Aniak.  We’ve heard that some people are still planning on traveling to Aniak from Kalskag by sno go on the 12th.  Travel on the river is not advised, but if you do please exercise extreme caution and wear a float coat.

Boats have been heading up the Aniak River in search of waterfowl since Friday.

Open water in front of Aniak

Open water in front of Aniak

Looking downstream from the previous photo location.

Looking downstream from the previous photo location.

Open lead at the west end of the Aniak runway.

Open lead at the west end of the Aniak runway.

People launching boats at FAA in preparation of heading up the Aniak River for some ducks and geese.

People launching boats at FAA in preparation of heading up the Aniak River for some ducks and geese.