This year the tripod is not just a tripod- it is art, designed by Tamyka Ayuluk and Colton Ulroan, Lower Kuskokwim School District STEM (Science/Tech/Engineering/Math) students, with the support of their instructor, Kevin McCalla. The students’ design was brought to life by Eric Whitney/Whitney Construction. We hope you’ll make your way to the riverfront today to see Bethel’s newest large scale art display. And don’t forget to buy your Ice Classic Tickets before April 20th!
Today’s the day! We will be erecting the amazing 2015 Ice Classic tripod on the river this evening. The structure was designed by a pair of students involved with the STEM program at LKSD and we think you’ll agree that it’s an exciting change from tripods of years past. We’ll begin work on the river at about 5pm so please swing by the riverfront to see this beauty go up! AND… tickets will be on sale at the Ice Classic shack on Front Street!
That there is a tripod in the making, ladies and gentlemen!
Want to study up on Kuskokwim Break-up history before you make your guess? Check out the National Weather Service/Alaska Pacific River Forecast Center HERE for all historical data and some interesting analysis
Just got off the phone with local ice thickness expert Kevin Murphy. Kevin has been measuring the river ice in front of the city dock every winter for many years. Once a month he ventures out with his grandchildren, augers a hole and gets a precise measurement so that the rest of us can quit speculating.
As of March 1st the river ice in front of Bethel measured 35 1/2″. Kevin says that according to his records this is a little below average. “It’s usually about 40 at this time”.
Does that mean an early break-up?
Not so fast! Kevin was quick to remind me that much more than ice thickness determines when the ice will break. Namely, spring weather and snow levels in the hills that feed the Kuskokwim have a great effect on the river. With little snow and colder weather forecasted, Kevin says it’s “still anyone’s guess”.
Live from the River
Alaska River Forecast
