Upper end of Yukon Slough Gallery
Date Observed: Mar 23, 2011
 Pits and sinkholes that are covered by snow cover, like seen at the upper end of Yukon Slough, give an area a mottled, hummocky appearance. Processes Observed |
 Areas with lots of hidden pits and holes, like at the upper end of Yukon Slough, can be dangerous as open water can be hidden under the snow, or the snow insulation can create thin ice below. Processes Observed |
Knut Kielland shows how close thin, unsafe ice can be from thick, solid, safe ice, and how easily this can be hidden under the snow. Processes Observed |
 Thin ice beneath snow insulation, like observed at the upper end of Yukon Slough, can suddenly break, creating open spots and unsafe areas for traveling. Processes Observed |
Sam Demientieff and Knut Kielland talk about why these pockets of open water form at the mouth of Yukon Slough, and that it typically is an area of unsafe ice. Processes Observed |
Neil Scannell describes 'dimples' in the snow and why this type of area is dangerous. Processes Observed |
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Sam Demientieff describes what to look for and how to avoid dangerous areas, and how open spots seem to change from year to year. Processes Observed |
Sam Demientieff talks about changing ice conditions through the winter, including the drop in water volume causing the ice to collapse, and spring time water increase forming ice bulges and overflow. Processes Observed |
Knut Kielland takes water temperature at upper end of Yukon Slough, and discusses the study of minerals and stable isotopes in an attempt to better understand the presence and influence of groundwater in the Tanana River system. Processes Observed |
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Knut Kielland talks about the role of warmer groundwater in the erosion of surface ice. Processes Observed |
Sam Demientieff discusses features to look for when traveling to avoid these types of areas, and that staying on sandbars can be safer. Processes Observed |
Wally Carlo advises travelers to stay on established trails. Processes Observed |
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Wally Carlo talks about the effect of wind on trail conditions. Processes Observed |
Knut Kielland discusses the effect of snowfall and wind on ice and trail conditions. Processes Observed |
Sam Demientieff talks about the ease and dangers of traveling on snowdrifts. Processes Observed |
Date Observed: Mar 29, 2013
 Photo Credits:
Courtesy of Philip Wilson This infrared image taken of holes in the ice at the upper end of Yukon Slough, which were covered by a thin layer of snow, shows that there are warmer temperatures coming from the open water below. Processes Observed |