aprfc.arh.noaa/resources/rivwatch/rwpindex.php

1. http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/resources/rivwatch/rwpindex.php

2. BACKGROUND • National Weather Service (NWS) monitors ice breakup conditions throughout Alaska to assess flood threats and navigational hazards • Other monitoring capabilities leave large voids in the knowledge of river and lake ice conditions… • A monitoring program conducted in conjunction with Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in chartered aircraft is only done in specific locations when flood threat is high • Observers in villages along rivers can provide a ground based view only in front of their village • Satellite images can provide some broad information on larger rivers, but lack the resolution to fully understand the ice conditions • Supplemental aerial observations from aircraft flying at lower altitudes can significantly enhance the spatial and temporal coverage of information on ice characteristics

3. 2002-2004 Programs • Limited participation by small group of Fairbanks pilots, Alaska State Troopers, and Fish and Wildlife Pilots • Training in 2002 limited to web based materials • Training presentations in Fairbanks in 2003-2004 to local pilots and CAP • Reports and photos provided by email

4. PILOT AND AFSS TRAINING • Enhanced training has been provided in spring of each year since 2005 to air taxi operators, CAP, AFSS, and private pilots. • Expanded set of training materials are available on the web • NWS WSO Managers are available in remote communities to provide local training and encourage local pilot participation

5. 2005 RIVER WATCH PROGRAM • The first year of the expanded program targeted and trained Fairbanks FSS, air taxi operators, and private pilots and introduced the PIREP reporting format 2005 program was a big success with about 60 PIREPs submitted!

6. 2006 RIVER WATCH PROGRAM • Increased outreach and training to new areas • Developed enhanced Observers Guide • Number of PIREPs reduced to 40 • Possible misunderstanding due to DHSSEM charters to watch breakup • Lack of reports from Bethel pilots may be due in part to infrequent contact with AFSS by Bethel pilots

7. 2007 River Watch Program • About 86 PIREPs were received • Many digital photos were received

8. RIVER WATCH PROGRAM PRESENTATION

9. PILOT REPORT REMARKS CHECKLIST

10. BREAKUP OBSERVERS GUIDE

11. TRAINING RESOURCES Program web site… http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/rivwatch.php Feel free to request group training from your NWS contact

12. PILOT REPORTS WILL ENHANCE MAP DETAIL Follow progress of breakup on Alaska Weather on PBS or on webhttp://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/ The progress of breakup is displayed on the web graphically along with text reports and selected recent photos Observations of ice conditions on these or any Alaska rivers and lakes are needed

13. FEEDBACK - SEARCH REPORTS ON WEB Sample of 2006 PIREPs…

14. CONTACT INFORMATION • River Forecast Center (ANC) - Larry Rundquist • larry.rundquist@noaa.gov 266-5152 • Service Hydrologist (FAI) – Ed Plumb • edward.plumb@noaa.gov 458-3714 • Aviation Focal Point (FAI) – Brad Sipperley • brad.sipperley@noaa.gov 458-3708 • Community NWS Contacts: • Harry Lind (442-3231) Kotzebue harry.lind@noaa.gov • Jerry Steiger (443-2321) Nome jerry.steiger@noaa.gov • Ralph Morgan (524-3205) McGrath ralph.morgan@noaa.gov • Pete Garrison (543-2236) Bethel pete.garrison@noaa.gov • Peggy Perales (246-3303) King Salmon peggy.perales@noaa.gov http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/rivwatch.php

15. QUESTIONS, COMMENTS, AND SUGGESTIONS WELCOME Thank You http://aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/rivwatch.php