DOCSLIB.ORG

Hatcher Pass Brochure

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Hatcher Pass Brochure Welcome to Camping Hiking For More Information Area History Hatcher Pass East Management Area has two Hatcher Pass has plenty to offer those making camping areas located along Hatcher Pass Road: their way by foot. The scenic walk around Alaska State Parks Government Peak Campground (mile 11), and Gold Summit Lake is short and easy. Gold Mint Trail Hatcher Pass Management Area, located in the Mat-Su/Copper Basin Area Office Mint Trailhead (mile 14). Well water is available at is moderate and popular, but those looking for southwestern Talkeetna Mountains, owes its 7278 E. Bogard Road Welcome both campgrounds. Backcountry campers must set a challenge can hike the Reed Lakes Trail. rugged, vertical landscape to tectonic collisions Wasilla, AK 99654 occurring along the Castle Mountain Fault. The up camp at least 0.5 mile from any road or facility. Long ago, miners wandered into the Talkeetna See the map inside this brochure for fault—crossing under the road a few miles south of (907)745-3975 Mountains searching for gold, but what they descriptions of some popular trails. You can Hatcher Pass—forced ancient slabs of rock skyward, atcher ass www.alaskastateparks.org H P found was even more precious. With over find more detailed information at with some containing veins of gold that would East Management Area 300,000 mountainous acres, historic sites, and www.alaskastatetrails.org. attract fortune seekers millions of years later. diverse wildlife, Hatcher Pass is one of Alaska’s favorite backcountry getaways. Robert Lee Hatcher discovered lode gold near Huts the summit of Skyscraper Mountain in September Most of the Hatcher Pass East Management 1906. After the discovery, the area sprang to Three huts, the Snowbird, Bomber, and Mint, Area is managed by Alaska State Parks. life with industry and multiple mining interests. are managed by the Mountaineering Club However, portions are cooperatively managed Business was booming, but when the United States of Alaska. They are available on with the Division of Mining Land and Water entered World War II, gold production was deemed a first come, first served basis. and the Mat-Su Borough. nonessential and the mines fell silent. A fourth, the Lane hut, is Hiking, biking, berry picking, paragliding, not actively managed. After the mines closed, local residents were quick and horseback riding will thrill you in the See map inside for locations. to realize the value of the access roads leading summer. Skiing (cross-country and downhill), deep into the mountains. The area surrounding snowboarding, sledding, snowshoeing, and Hatcher Pass became known for its natural snowmachining will chill you in the winter. beauty and recreational opportunities. In 1974, Beautiful alpine scenery can be appreciated Independence Mine was added to the National any time of the year. Register of Historic Places and later to the Hatcher Little Susitna River Pass Management Area. Miners may have grabbed most of the gold, Photo courtesy of Nicole Acevedo but they left the best parts behind. So, lace up your boots, and top off the rig, because the memories will be priceless. Touring Visitors less inclined to blisters and trail mix can still take in the history and scenery along Hatcher Pass Road. Typically open between July and September, depending on snow depth, the road peaks at 3,886 feet and is one of the highest scenic drives in Alaska. The Palmer- Fishhook Road is paved until mile 17.5, but the next 15 miles is a rough, narrow, and steep gravel road and is not recommended for RVs, trailers and large vehicles. The drive can be Independence Mine slow, but the views are worth it. The road ends Photo courtesy of Dan Kehlenbach at mile 71.2 on the Parks Highway near Willow. Back country ridge walk in Hatcher Pass EMA Ridge above Summit Lake Bluff near Summit Lake Photo courtesy of Nicole Acevedo Photo courtesy of Matthew Johnson Photo courtesy of Nicole Acevedo Hatcher Pass East Management Area Background photo courtesy of Nicole Acevedo Alaska State Parks Wildlife Highlights Hatcher Pass’s alpine landscapes may seem devoid of wildlife because most alpine inhabitants are camouflage experts. However, if you stand still, listen, and watch carefully, you may detect movement. Independence Mine State Historical Park Moose, caribou, sheep, black and brown bears, wolf, wolverine, Bald Eagle Photo courtesy At Independence Mine State Historical Park (SHP), coyote, beaver, fox, marten, mink, hare, Arctic ground squirrels, of Bill Evans Winter Wonderland you can learn what it was like to live and work collared pikas, hoary marmots, and lynx can all be found in the area. As the first miners explored these mountains, they in one of Alaska’s largest gold mining camps. Look up and you may see a bird of prey soaring above you, scanning took up skiing as a way to travel the terrain and pass Interpretive displays lead visitors through the the area for its next meal. Ptarmigan, spruce grouse, songbirds, and small the time. Historic photos show miners skiing when Snowmachiner historic mine buildings and equipment. Guided Photo courtesy of Mike Morris mammals all live here and are on their menu. Some birds, such as Lapland Independence Mine was in operation. In the 1960s tours may be offered during summer. longspurs, whimbrels, and long-tailed jaegers, occasionally shortcut their normal and 1970s, Anchorage residents would flock to the Although the mine shut its doors in 1951, there’s migration and nest in this area. Keep your binoculars and camera close! old Fishhook Inn to use the rope tow. Today, the still a bit of gold left. Prospectors are allowed Hatcher Pass area is one of the best cross-country Little Susitna to recreationally pan for gold within the park— skiing destinations in the state. Independence Mine provided it’s with shovels only. SHP and Archangel Road are regularly groomed and popular with skiers. Ample slopes attract Snowmachining Scientists and park employees evaluating snow Hoary Marmot snowboarders and downhill skiers as well. pack for avalanche safety Summit Lake State Recreation Site Photo courtesy of Gina Smith More into horsepower than ski wax? Hatcher Pass is one of the premier snowmachining areas in Southcentral Summit Lake State Recreation Site (SRS) is located Alaska. You can ride on a wide variety of terrain, ranging Avalanches at mile 19.3 along Hatcher Pass Road. This small from groomed trails to backcountry valleys. Be sure to Avalanches can occur throughout the Hatcher Pass cirque lake, or alpine tarn, is a remnant of a glacier abide by park rules, and know the hazards of the routes Northern Harrier Left—1st Lieutenant Edith Spitzer, Army Porcupine area. Steep, snow-covered slopes, gullies, and areas that once sat amid these peaks. A trail leading Photo courtesy of Christopher Taylor Nurse, skiing at Independence Mine in you’re traveling. Photo courtesy of Bill Evans around the lake allows for easy exploration, and a 1943. Notice Boomtown in below steep ridges are particularly susceptible. Most the background. nearby bluff offers exemplary views and is a popular Photo courtesy of ALSAP/Sanferd Spitzer. The entire length of Archangel avalanches happen after heavy or sustained snowfalls and Road, and Summit Lake SRS to windstorms, but they can happen anytime snow is on the launch site for paragliders. Below—Skiing Hatcher Pass Photo courtesy of Dan Joling and the the Gold Mint parking lot, are slopes. Take a class to learn the warning signs, techniques, Lynx Mat-Su Borough Photo courtesy of Gina Smith open to snowmachining. and gear needed to protect yourself. Check local avalanche centers for updates. Brown Bear Photo courtesy of Rolland Martin Collared Pika Photo courtesy of Ike Waits www.denaliguidebook.com Alpenglow on mountains at Hatcher Pass Photo of Independence Mine and Summit Lake Ground Squirrel Photo courtesy of Andre Kaeppele courtesy of Steve Neel Photo courtesy of Steve Neel Bomber Hut Gold Cord Independence Lake Trail Mine Area 1. Manager’s House E a (Visitor Center) s t Snowbird Hut F 2. Bunkhouse No. 2 o r k 3. Framing Shop F Mint Hut Hut at Mint Glacier i s Photo courtesy of Cecil Sanders h 4. Bunkhouse No. 1 h o l o i k 5. Apartment House a r T C k 6. Engineering/ c r o e 0.23 R e k rd Trail Descriptions Commissary a 7. Bunkhouse/ H For more information on trails in Hatcher Pass Warehouse 0.09 0.06 East Management Area, visit 0.07 12 2 Lane Hut www.alaskastateparks.org M i 10 l 3 l L 4 Gold Mint Trail oo 1 1 p T r 0.08 a 0.08 il p Access: Mile 14 on the Palmer-Fishhook Road o 7 o L 11 9 Travel Means: Foot, bike, ski e v 0.09 ti 2 Distance: 16 miles round trip e r p r Elevation Gain: 1,000-foot plus gain 8. Mess Hall e 6 t 5 n 9. Plumbing, Sheet Metal, 0.35 I Following the west bank of the Little Susitna and Electrical Shops 0.05 River to its source in the Mint Glacier Valley, the 10. Assay Office Gold Mint Trail is relatively easy, but steepens into a glacier-rimmed valley toward the end. 11. Mill Complex 8 12. Mine Shops Reed Lakes Trail 2 Access: Archangel Road Travel Means: Foot, bike Distance: 9 miles round trip 1 Elevation Gain: 1,600 feet 3 This trail follows Reed Creek and passes turquoise lakes, waterfalls, and the abandoned Snowbird Mine ending at Upper Reed Lake. The first 1.5 miles are easy and follow an old road to an abandoned cabin. The rest of the trail is challenging and includes a boulder field marked by cairns.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • City of Wasilla Hazard Mitigation Plan (Phase I – Natural Hazards)
    City of Wasilla Hazard Mitigation Plan (Phase I – Natural Hazards) 2018 Update by: Wasilla Planning Commission Acknowledgements Wasilla City Council Bert Cottle, Mayor Glenda Ledford Tim Burney Stu Graham Mike Dryden Gretchen O’Barr James E. Harvey Wasilla Planning Commission Eric Bushnell Darrell L. Breese Jessica Dean Simon Brown Brian L. Mayer City Staff Tina Crawford, City Planner City of Wasilla Planning Office 290 E. Herning Avenue Wasilla, AK 99654 Phone: (907) 373-9020 Fax: (907) 373-9021 E-Mail: [email protected] Consultants LeMay Engineering & Consulting, Inc. Jennifer LeMay, PE, PMP John Farr, EIT 4272 Chelsea Way Anchorage, Alaska 99504 Phone: (907) 350-6061 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] Technical Assistance Brent Nichols, CFM, SHMO, Alaska State DHS&EM The preparation of this plan was financed by funds from a grant from the Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management and the Federal Emergency Management Agency. ii City of Wasilla 2018 Hazard Mitigation Plan Acronyms °F Degrees Fahrenheit ADEC Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation AEIC Alaska Earthquake Information Center AFS Alaska Fire Service AHS Alaska Hydrologic Survey APA Approved Pending Adoption AS Alaska State Statute AKST Alaska Standard Time BCA Benefit-Cost Analysis BCR Benefit-Cost Ratio BLM Bureau of Land Management CFR Code of Federal Regulations DCCED Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development (State of Alaska) DHS&EM Department of Homeland Security and Emergency Management
    [Show full text]
  • Fairbanks: Mat-Su: Eagle River
    D ECEMBER 2 017, VOL .1 9, N O . 3 ANCHORAGE: So many memories: NSAA Photo Contest 4 EAGLE RIVER: Youthful enthusiasm from skiers, volunteers 9 MAT-SU: Twice the racing fun with Icicle Double 10 FAIRBANKS: Wax up and explore the Trails Challenge 16 BONUS SECTION! Visit anchoragenordicski. com/newsletter/ for four extra pages of fun photos, Olympic athlete profiles and Alaska Nordic news! Anchorage . 2 Eagle River . 9 Fairbanks . 14 Girdwood . 11 PHOTO BY ANDY KUBIC Kachemak . 12 Mat-Su. 10 2 DECEMBER 2017 203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, Alaska, 99501 Phone — 276-7609 Fax — 258-7609 Anchorage Nordic Skier Hotline — 248-6667 [email protected] Newsletter Of The Nordic Skiing Association Of Anchorage, Inc. BOARD MEMBERS Snow on the ground, skiers on the trails PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller Message from NSAA staff and Board of Directors SECRETARY Josh Niva ‘Tis the season for Nordic skiing! dreds of kids and coaches are canvas- – you won’t want to miss it! Along TREASURER We are excited that December wel- ing Anchorage’s trails each night, with Santa’s elves, Nordic volunteers Karl Garber MEMBERS comes us with snow on the ground, staying active and healthy. are also working especially hard this Molly Brown Alex Grumman both manmade and the natural kind. Our December issue of the Nordic season prepping for a big event: U.S. Elizabeth Arnold Snowmaking guns at Kincaid Park Skier is packed with great stories Nationals starting January 3 at Kin- Mike Miller Tim Miller got a lot of skiers excited in early and updates including the unveil- caid Park.
    [Show full text]
  • Public Data File 88-39 ENGINEERING-GEOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF
    Public Data File 88-39 ENGINEERING-GEOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED HATCHER PASS SKI RESORT AT GOVERNMENT PEAK, SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA BY R.A. Combellick and R.D. Reger Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys October, 1988 THIS REPORT HAS NOT BEEN REVIEWED FOR TECHNICAL CONTENT (EXCEPT AS NOTED IN TEXT) OR FOR CONFORMITY TO THE EDITORIAL STANDARDS OF DGGS Alaska Division of Geological and Geophysical Surveys 3700 Airport Way Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 ENGINEERING-GEOLOGIC ASSESSMENT OF THE PROPOSED HATCHER PASS SKI RESORT AT GOVERNMENT PEAK, SOUTHCENTRAL ALASKA R.A. Combellick and R.D. Reger INTRODUCTION This report is a preliminary analysis of engineering-geologic factors that may affect development of a ski resort proposed by Mitsui (USA) and Com- pany on land owned.by the State of Alaska on and near Government Peak in the Hatcher Pass management area. Our analysis is based on a map entitled 'Preliminary zoning plan' (fig. 1) submitted by Mitsui and dated July 29, 1988. A report entitled 'Engineering geology of the Hatcher Pass management region,' prepared in 1985 by the Alaska Division of Geological & Geophysical Surveys, provides an overview of the engineering geology of the region. For this report, a more detailed geologic map was prepared for the area of the Mitsui proposal (fig. 2). Engineering characteristics of the geologic units and terrain were qualitatively evaluated with regard to the proposed placement of resort facilities (table 1). This analysis consisted of a review of available literature and unpublished data, detailed examination of aerial photographs, and two days of field work. Because of the limited field work and lack of detailed quantitative analyses, conclusions and interpretations presented in this report are preliminary and do not offset the need for site- specific engineering studies to ensure safe design and construction.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2020
    N OVEMBER 2 0 2 0 , VOL . 2 2 , N O . 2 PHOTO BY ROSIE FRANKOWSKI Anchorage ............. 2 ANCHORAGE: MAT-SU: FAIRBANKS: Eagle River ............ 10 Bursting the “bubble” Snow hitting the ground, Staying active while Fairbanks ............. 13 with family fun groomers getting busy staying safe Girdwood ............. 10 Kachemak ............ 11 Mat-Su. 8 6 8 13 Statewide ............. 7 2 NOVEMBER 2020 203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, Alaska, 99501 Phone — 276-7609 Fax — 258-7609 Anchorage Nordic Skier Hotline — 248-6667 [email protected] Newsletter Of The Nordic Skiing Association Of Anchorage, Inc. AROUND THE BOWL BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio Solstice Tree Tour: New plans, new trails, VICE PRESIDENT great tree decorating opportunities Sara Miller SECRETARY Celebrate Winter Solstice on the trails with Anchorage’s Josh Niva new favorite holiday tradition: The NSAA Solstice Tree TREASURER Claire LeClair Tour! The fifth annual Solstice Tree Tour on Sunday, De- MEMBERS Tim Stone cember 13, is a one-day-only event that lets attendees walk Chris Seaman the Kincaid Park and Hillside ski trails to enjoy festively Mike Miller Tim Miller decorated trees by local businesses. During COVID-19 Will Earnhart times, we are excited to invite you to a modified and mitigated event, encouraging families to RSVP for one of OFFICE STAFF Haley Johnston, Business Manager two locations: the 2.5k of the Mize Loop at Kincaid Park or Sara Kamahele, Program Manager Randy’s Loop on the Hillside Trails. Check the website for Heather Liller, Office & Program Admin details: anchoragenordicski.com/solstice-tree-tour/. OPERATIONS STAFF Is your business interested in sponsoring a tree? There Craig Norman PHOTO BY MICHAEL DINNEEN Bill Brion are plenty of trees available along Randy’s and Mize loops Ready to race? It’s never too early to get excited about the Jack Cummins for your team to decorate and celebrate all that you love Tour of Anchorage, which arrives on March 7, 2021.
    [Show full text]
  • Willow Creek Pluton
    U.S. Department of the Interior - U.S. Geological Survey Anchorage quadrangle Descriptions of the mineral occurrences shown on the accompanying figure follow. See U.S. Geological Survey (1996) for a description of the information content of each field in the records. The data presented here are maintained as part of a statewide database on mines, prospects and mineral occurrences throughout Alaska. o o o o o o o o Distribution of mineral occurrences in the Anchorage 1:250,000-scale quadrangle, southcentral Alaska This and related reports are accessible through the USGS World Wide Web site http://www-mrs-ak.wr.usgs.gov/ardf. Comments or information regarding corrections or missing data, or requests for digital retrievals should be directed to Frederic H. Wilson, USGS, 4200 Unversity Dr., Anchorage, AK 99508-4667, email [email protected], telephone (907) 786-7448. This compilation is authored by: Damon Bickerstaff and Steven W. Huss c/o U.S. Geological Survey 4200 University Drive Anchorage, AK 99508-4667 Alaska Resource Data File This report is preliminary and has not been reviewed for conformity with U.S. Geological Survey editorial standards or with the North American Stratigraphic code. Any use of trade, product, or firm names is for descriptive purposes only and does not imply endorsement by the U.S. Government. OPEN-FILE REPORT 98-599 Alaska Resource Data File Page 2 Alaska Resource Data File AN001 Site name(s): Independence Site type: Mine ARDF no.: AN001 Latitude: 61.792 Quadrangle: AN D-7 Longitude: 149.294 Location description and accuracy: West of Fishhook Creek, marked with an adit symbol and labeled 'Independence Mine' on the Anchorage D-7 1:63,360-scale topographic map.
    [Show full text]
  • George Darrow Slides, B2019.006
    REFERENCE CODE: AkAMH REPOSITORY NAME: Anchorage Museum at Rasmuson Center Bob and Evangeline Atwood Alaska Resource Center 625 C Street Anchorage, AK 99501 Phone: 907-929-9235 Fax: 907-929-9233 Email: [email protected] Guide prepared by: Sara Piasecki, Archivist TITLE: George Darrow Slides COLLECTION NUMBER: B2019.006 OVERVIEW OF THE COLLECTION Dates: circa 1973-2010 Extent: 4 boxes; 0.8 linear feet Language and Scripts: The collection is in English. Name of creator(s): George Darrow Administrative/Biographical History: George Darrow (1939- ) came to Alaska with the Air Force in 1973 and was stationed at Elmendorf Air Force Base. There, he was assigned to the 1931st Communications Group--Radio Maintenance, with a temporary duty assignment to Shemya from November 1974-February 1975. After retiring from service in 1978, Darrow held a variety of jobs in Anchorage, the longest with the Department of Veterans Affairs, from which he retired in 2005.1 Scope and Content Description: The collection consists of 743 color 35mm slides taken by Darrow during his time in Alaska. Early images include photographs taken by Darrow at various military communications sites. Later images primarily depict Darrow’s outdoor recreation activities and trips around the state. For more information, see Detailed Description of Collection. Arrangement: Arranged by subject and date, when known. 1 Darrow, George R. The memoirs of an average guy. [Place of publication not identified] : [publisher not identified], [2007]. CONDITIONS GOVERNING ACCESS AND USE Restrictions on Access: The collection is open for research use. Physical Access: Original items in good condition. Technical Access: No special equipment is needed to access the materials.
    [Show full text]
  • Geology and -Ore Deposits of the : Willow Creek Mining District, Alaska
    , Geology and -Ore Deposits of the : Willow Creek Mining District, Alaska GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN 1004 Geology and Ore Deposits of the Willow Creek Mining District, Alaska By RICHARD G. RAY GEOLOGICAL SURVEY BULLETIN 1004 A study of the general and economic geology of a lode gold mining district in southern Alaska, with particular emphasis on the significance of vein, dike, and fau,lt patterns UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE, WASHINGTON : 1954 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR Douglas McKay, Secretary B GEOLOGICAL SURVEY W. E. Wrather, Director For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U. S. Government Printing Office Washington 25, D. C. - Price $1.75 (paper cover) CONTENTS Page Abstract_ _ _ _______________________-____..__--_--------_---------- 1 Introduction ______.________________-__._______--._--_-'----------- 2 Previous work____________.__._._...i______-___-_-_--__-_---_ 2 Present work..____________________-_-----_-______--._----_---- 3 Scope of investigation and methods of field 'study... _ ---------- 4 Acknowledgments. ________-____--____-___-_--__--___--------_- 5 Geography__ _ _ __________________________________________________ 5 Location and accessibility-___________-___.___-_-_-_-_-----_---- 5 Topography, climate, and vegetation_____________________________ 5 General geology.______________________________-_.__--___-___-_---- 10 Metamorphic rocks._________________-__________--__--_------__ 10 Schist..._........_.....---_---.---__--------------------- 10 Igneous rocks_________________________________________________
    [Show full text]
  • Statewide Anchorage Girdwood
    J ANUARY 2 017, VOL .18 , N O . 4 ANCHORAGE, EAGLE RIVER, FAIRBANKS, GIRDWOOD, HOMER, JUNEAU, KENAI, MAT-SU, SALCHA, SEWARD, SOLDOTNA, TALKEETNA AND VALDEZ GOOD TIMES, COOL TREES AT NSAA’S FIRST SOLSTICE TOUR OF TREES. PHOTOS BY SCOTT BROADWELL AND SARA MILLER Anchorage ............. 2 ANCHORAGE STATEWIDE GIRDWOOD Eagle River ............ 11 Solstice Tour of Trees UAA coach thanks New energy, ideas Fairbanks ............. 13 a new winter tradition supportive community could lead to new trails Girdwood ............. 12 Kachemak ............. 6 Mat-Su. 10 8 9 12 Statewide ............. 9 2 JANUARY 2017 203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, Alaska, 99501 Phone — 276-7609 Fax — 258-7609 Anchorage Nordic Skier Hotline — 248-6667 [email protected] Newsletter Of The Nordic Skiing Association Of Anchorage, Inc. BOARD MEMBERS NSAA’s impact, and story, continues to grow PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller Message from the NSAA President / Joey Caterinichio SECRETARY Josh Niva Greetings NSAA Members and Anchorage community. have generated less revenue. In order to help in this area, TREASURER It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new NSAA funds must continue to be raised through personal dona- Karl Garber MEMBERS President. I follow in the great footsteps of many amazing tions and corporate donations. To enhance this effort, Elizabeth Arnold past presidents and board members. Our board members NSAA began working with fundraising consultants. Mike Miller Dustin Shannon along with all of our volunteers make this organization Thank you to the Alaska Community Foundation’s Molly Brown what it is today. Thank you especially to Jeff Scott who led Strengthening Organization Grant, a grant that funded Alex Grumman this board for the past years.
    [Show full text]
  • While Most Visitors Are Familiar with Alaska's Summer Landscapes, There's No Getting Around the Fact That the Snow-Covered
    While most visitors are familiar with Alaska’s summer landscapes, there’s no getting around the fact that the snow-covered version of our surroundings is with us longer. Fortunately, Alaskans don’t just make peace with winter – we celebrate it! Many visitors would be surprised to discover that our winter temperatures are comparable to many places in the Continental U.S. Alaska boasts near-limitless winter adventure options, with activities ranging from dog mushing, skiing and winter festivals galore. So why not come up and experience Alaska the way the locals do – on skis, under the northern lights, soaking in an outdoor hot spring or racing down a snowy trail behind a team of sled dogs. Northern Lights The aurora borealis, also known as northern lights, occur about 60 or 70 miles above the earth’s surface —about 10 times higher than a jet aircraft flies — and can extend hundreds of miles into space. The most common color displayed is a brilliant yellow- green, but the aurora borealis can also produce red, blue and purple patterns. When to view The northern lights are best viewed during the winter and often spotted as early as August. The aurora is most active around the autumn and spring equinoxes, September/October and March/April, and are most likely to be seen late at night or in the early morning hours. Fortunately, many Alaska hotels offer a northern lights wake-up call to alert visitors when the lights are out. Best conditions Ideal conditions for aurora viewing involve clear, moonless skies, but with clearer skies come sub-zero temperatures — so be sure to dress warm.
    [Show full text]
  • Alaska Snow Survey Report Alaska Snow Survey Report
    Alaska Snow Survey Report Feb. 1, 2013 The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service cooperates with the following organizations in snow survey work: Federal State of Alaska U.S. Depart of Agriculture - U.S. Forest Service Alaska Department of Fish and Game Chugach National Forest Alaska Department of Transportation and Tongass National Forest Public Facilities U.S. Department of Commerce Alaska Department of Natural Resources NOAA, Alaska Pacific RFC Climate Division of Parks Monitoring and Diagnostics Laboratory Division of Mining and Water U.S. Department of Defense Division of Forestry U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska Energy Authority U.S. Army Cold Regions Research and Alaska Railroad Engineers Laboratory Soil and Water Conservation Districts U.S. Department of Interior Homer SWCD Bureau of Land Management Palmer SWCD U.S. Geological Survey University of Alaska U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service Agriculture and Forestry National Park Service Experiment Station Geophysical Institute Municipalities Water and Environment Research Anchorage Reindeer Research Program Juneau Institute of Arctic Biology LTER Private Alaska Public Schools Alaska Electric, Light and Power, Juneau Mantanuska-Susitna Borough School Alyeska Resort, Inc. District Alyeska Pipeline Service Company Anchorage Municipal Light and Power Canada Chugach Electric Association Ministry of the Environment Copper Valley Electric Association British Columbia Homer Electric Association Department of the Environment Ketchikan Public Utilities Government of the Yukon Prince William Sound Science Center The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) prohibits discrimination in all its programs and activities on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, and where applicable, sex, marital status, familial status, parental status, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, political beliefs, reprisal, or because all or a part of an individual’s income is derived from any public assistance program.
    [Show full text]
  • November 2019
    N OVEMBER 2 019, VOL . 21, N O . 2 ANCHORAGE: How that magic snow happens 7 KACHEMAK: Miles traveled Alaska sharing the love of skiing 9 FAIRBANKS: Early groom’s good thanks to Bad Bob 14 Anchorage .............2 Eagle River ..........15 Fairbanks ............12 Girdwood .............11 Kachemak .............8 Mat-Su................10 Statewide ...........16 PHOTO BY PATRICK MARBACHER Talkeetna ............10 2 NOVEMBER 2019 203 W. 15th Ave., #204 Anchorage, Alaska, 99501 Phone — 276-7609 Fax — 258-7609 Anchorage Nordic Skier Hotline — 248-6667 [email protected] Newsletter Of The Nordic Skiing Association Of Anchorage, Inc. AROUND THE BOWL BOARD MEMBERS PRESIDENT Joey Caterinichio VICE PRESIDENT Sara Miller SECRETARY Josh Niva TREASURER Claire LeClair MEMBERS Alex Grumman Elizabeth Arnold Mike Miller Tim Miller Will Earnhart OFFICE STAFF Haley Johnston, Business Manager Sara Kamahele, Program Manager Gail Skurla, Office Manager OPERATIONS STAFF Craig Norman Bill Brion Peter Zug Solstice Tree Tour lights up Annette Brion Matthew Pauli on the night on Dec. 15 Jack Cumins Celebrate Winter Solstice on the trails on Sunday, Ricky Prince December 15! The 4th annual Solstice Tree Tour is a TRAILS one-day-only event that lets Anchorage walk the Kincaid Mike Miller Park ski trails to enjoy the trees festively decorated by Junior Nordic – we go with COMMITTEE CHAIRS local businesses. Bring the family to enjoy s’mores, cocoa or without snow! ALASKA SKI FOR WOMEN and festivities along the 2.5K of the Mize Loop. Worried 2019-2020 NSAA Junior Nordics registration is open, Jenny Di Grappa about parking? We’ve got you covered! A shuttle system but spots are filling fast! Worried about snowfall? The first will be set-up along the way – check the website for details! AMH ANCHORAGE CUP session isn’t always about the snow; sometimes it’s about Branden Fontana anchoragenordicski.com/solstice-tree-tour/ the camaraderie on the trails and it’s always about a little A special thank you and welcome back to ConocoPhil- bit of exercise and technique.
    [Show full text]
  • Copyrighted Material
    28_228999_bindex.qxd 1/22/08 1:13 PM Page 485 INDEX 1st Alaska Outdoor School, 94, 204, 205 Alaska All-Terrain Tours-Alaska Snow Safaris, 229 (Denali), 449, 451 254–255 26th Street Int’l. Hostel (Anchorage), 307, 308 Alaska Alpine Adventures, 91, 100, 101, 232, 7 Gables Inn (Fairbanks), 443, 444 239, 247, 248, 277, 281 Alaska ATV Adventures, 254, 255 ABEC’s Alaska Adventures, 90 Alaska Backcountry Adventure Tours, 254, 255 accommodations. See also camping, lodging. Alaska Backcountry Bike Tours, 157, 184, See also specific locations 247–248 ratings system, 4–5 Alaska Backpacker Shuttle, 100–101 adventure cruising, 56–64 Alaska Bagel Inc. (Anchorage), 318, 322 adventures, multisport, 246–251 Alaska Bald Eagle Festival, 110 air travel Alaska Bird Observatory (Fairbanks), 104, 109 to Alaska, 44–46 Alaska Botanical Garden (Anchorage), 328 AK Birding, 103–104 Alaska Cadillac Café (Wasilla), 323, 325 Aladdin’s Fine Mediterranean, 321, 322 Alaska Chilkat Bald Eagle Preserve, 109–110 Alagnak Lodge (King Salmon), 474, 476–477 Alaska Dept. of Fish & Game, 134, 211, 216 Alagnak Wild River, 462–463 Alaska Discovery, 232, 235, 248, 249, 262, 273 Alagnik Slough (birding), 105–106 Alaska Dog Mushers Association, 203–204 Alaska, 1–2, 6–8, 18–24, 37–43 Alaska Good Time Charters, 214, 222–223 Bush. See Bush Alaska Alaska Gourmet (Skagway), 424, 425–426 history of, 20–24 Alaska Heliskiing, 277, 281 Interior. See Interior Alaska Alaska Highway, 44, 50, 66–67 maps. See maps, and specific locations Alaska Kayak School, 232, 238, 260 native peoples and cultures, 24–27 Alaska Marine Highway, 44, 47, 71, 78, 162, 243 packing for,COPYRIGHTED planning trip, 28–43 Alaska Maritime MATERIAL National Wildlife Refuge, 88, regional maps, 8–17 113, 353 road system, 64–69 Alaska Mountain Guides and Climbing School, Southcentral Coastal.
    [Show full text]