RIVER WATCH PROGRAM

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http//aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/resources/rivwatch/rwpin
dex.php
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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

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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

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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

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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!
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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

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2007 River Watch Program

• About 86 PIREPs were received
• Many digital photos were received

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RIVER WATCH PROGRAM PRESENTATION
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PILOT REPORT REMARKS CHECKLIST
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BREAKUP OBSERVERS GUIDE
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TRAINING RESOURCES
Program web site http//aprfc.arh.noaa.gov/rivwat
ch.php
Feel free to request group training from your NWS
contact
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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
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FEEDBACK - SEARCH REPORTS ON WEB
Sample of 2006 PIREPs
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CONTACT INFORMATION

• River Forecast Center (ANC) - Larry Rundquist
• larry.rundquist_at_noaa.gov 266-5152
• Service Hydrologist (FAI) Ed Plumb
• edward.plumb_at_noaa.gov 458-3714
• Aviation Focal Point (FAI) Brad Sipperley
• brad.sipperley_at_noaa.gov 458-3708
• Community NWS Contacts
• Harry Lind (442-3231) Kotzebue harry.lind_at_noaa.gov
  
• Jerry Steiger (443-2321) Nome jerry.steiger_at_noaa.g
  ov
• Ralph Morgan (524-3205) McGrath
  ralph.morgan_at_noaa.gov
• Pete Garrison (543-2236) Bethel
  pete.garrison_at_noaa.gov
• Peggy Perales (246-3303) King Salmon
  peggy.perales_at_noaa.gov

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