Nabesna Road

Nabesna Road Conditions

2009-06-18T10:14:00.002-08:00

The Nabesna area finally got some much needed rain over the past few days. It has brought the water up in the creeks and made Jack Creek murky but it is worth it to reduce the fire danger. The rain has brought out the flowers (and mosquitoes!) and made things look lush and green. At times like this it’s easy to forget that we live in a semi-arid region.

Nabesna Road Conditions as of 10:00 a.m. June 17, 2009:
Nabesna Road is in good to fair condition.

Mile 15 – Mile 17.5: The road is rough in this area with numerous pot holes.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) has shallow water crossing the road.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) has a moderate flow of water across the road and has a channel. The bottom is still firm so four wheel drive is not required. Medium and high clearance vehicles are recommended. Low clearance vehicles should use caution.

Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has 6 to 8 inches of water flowing across the road and has formed a channel. The crossing is rough and medium to high clearance is required.

Techniques for stream crossings:

Evaluate the stream before crossing. If the water is too murky to see the bottom, find a long stick to probe for depth.
Check to determine if the bottom is firm. If your feet sink into the gravel very much this could mean that the bottom is soft. In the case of a soft creek bottom, you may need four wheel drive.
If you decide to make the crossing, stay committed. Don’t let off the gas once you start across and maintain momentum until you are clear of all water.
Speed should be enough to maintain momentum – you don’t need to “floor it”.
When crossing a channel it is often best to cross at an angle. Look for sloping banks rather than sharp edges.
In the end, only you know your driving ability and your vehicle. Just remember that your cell phone may not work and help is a long way away – maybe even days.

Insider Tips:

Each year around Father’s Day, the Trumpeter Swan pair that nests on an island in Little Twin Lake hatches their cygnets. This year’s batch emerged either late yesterday or this morning. The adults have moved the cygnets over to Big Twin Lake. This requires a cross country hike of about 50 yards! We joke that in addition to web feet, these cygnets are hatched with sneakers. In a few days, they will take another hike of about a quarter mile over to Jack Creek. We don’t know why they do this because it makes the family vulnerable to predators but I think it has something to do with available food for the cygnets.

Wildlife Sightings:

Moose

Red fox

Porcupine

Trumpeter Swans

They're Biting

2009-06-05T11:05:00.003-08:00

The leaves are finally out and it has been hot. If you are looking at this from somewhere in the Lower 48 you may not think 75 degrees Fahrenheit sounds like a big deal. But after a winter of three months or more of below zero weather, it’s plenty warm. The mosquitoes are out as well though out here in Nabesna, knock on wood, they haven’t been too bad. The good news about mosquitoes is that the Arctic Grayling are biting!

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Monday, June 8, 2009

Nabesna Road Conditions as of 10:00 a.m. June 5, 2009:
Nabesna Road is in good to fair condition.

Mile 15 – Mile 17.5: The road is rough in this area with numerous pot holes.

Rock Creek – The Slana DOT crew did a great job on repairing the damage from flooding earlier in the spring – Thanks Steve.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) is dry.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) has a moderate flow of water across the road. Low clearance vehicles should use caution.

Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road.

Mile 36 – Mile 42: Conditions deteriorate and are rough but still passable by any vehicle.

Insider Tips:

Arctic Grayling are beautiful fish. Their distinctive dorsal fin and blue highlights give them a unique appearance. Grayling are fun fish to catch either on a small spinner or fly. Even a beginning fly fisherman can catch grayling on flies and they aren’t particular either. I once caught grayling after grayling on a funny pink fly that didn’t look like anything I had ever seen in nature. Usually, any mosquito looking dry fly will work well. Grayling flesh is white and very mild. It is best when taken directly to the pan from the creek.

Wildlife Sightings:

Moose x2 (6/1)

Lupine Are Up!

2009-05-28T11:45:00.004-08:00

Things are looking pretty green around here – finally. Slana looks like summer but here at the end of the road we are still more spring like. The wild flowers are starting to show up with lupine, and some dwarf fireweed the most obvious from the road. The Memorial Day weekend was busy. Of course that’s relative. There were probably around 10 campsites in use over the course of the entire road!

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Sunday, May 31, 2009.

Road Conditions As Of Wednesday, May 27, 2009 at 3:00 pm:
Nabesna Road is a gravel and dirt surface and is in good to fair condition.

Mile 15 – Mile 17.5: The road is rough in this area with numerous pot holes.

Rock Creek is still very rough with one lane traffic only. DOT is moving fill in so watch for heavy trucks and other equipment in the area.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) is dry.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) has shallow water flowing across the road.

Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road.

Mile 36 – Mile 42: Conditions deteriorate and are rough but still passable by any vehicle.

Insider Tips:

It’s always a struggle to describe Nabesna Road conditions. Lee and I drive the entire road round trip at least six times per week. We drive full size four wheel drive pickups. We try to describe conditions so that you realistically know what to expect without discouraging you from driving the road. In the end, you are the only one who knows your vehicle, driving ability and comfort level on gravel roads. We see everything from small sedans to large Class C motor homes that go all the way to the end of the road. We have also pulled four wheel drive vehicles out of numerous creek crossings. Write us a comment if you would like to see more details or additional information. We want your visit to be safe.

Wildlife Sightings:

Moose x2 (5/27)

Snow Shoe Hare (Daily)

Arctic Ground Squirrels (Daily)

Trumpeter Swans (Daily)

Goshawk (5/27)

Yellowlegs (5/27)

Barrow’s Golden Eye (5/27)

Moose Independence

2009-05-23T11:16:00.004-08:00

I am still having major problems posting to my blogs. Please be patient as I try to work this out - Thanks, Vicki

We are seeing a lot of moose, mainly yearling calves. Moose calves stay with mom for a full year, greatly increasing their chances for survival. But each spring mom and calf go their separate ways before she gives birth to a new calf. This leaves these yearlings looking dazed and confused about this unexpected and maybe not welcome independence. This pair of calves had a good mom. It is unusual for both twins to survive their first year but they aren't getting any special treatment now. Standing out in the open like this is very un-moose like behavior. Moose are solitary animals and rely on stealthy behavior to avoid predators. Before long, these two will start acting more like mom taught them and start spending most of these long days filling up on the rapidly greening willows. These twins may stay together all summer.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Monday, June 1, 2009.

Road Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in good to fair condition.

Mile 15 – Mile 17.5: The road is rough in this area with numerous pot holes.

Rock Creek is still very rough with one lane traffic only.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) has shallow water flowing across the road.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) has shallow water flowing across the road.

Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road

Mile 36 – Mile 42: Conditions deteriorate and are rough but still passable by any vehicle.

Insider Tips:

If you decide to take advantage of this beautiful weather for a little hiking, keep in mind the north facing areas and canyons will still have a lot of ice. Night time temperatures are still below freezing.

Wildlife Sightings:

Moose x4 (5/20)

Trumpeter Swans (Daily)

Boreal Owl (5/20)

Connection Interrupted

Be Ready for any Season When You Visit Nabesna

2009-05-15T12:27:00.006-08:00

First of all, let me appologize for the lack of updates. I've been experiencing some technical problems which I think I have worked out.

This morning for the third straight day, we woke up to snow. It's not unusual at this time of year but it can sure be a spirit breaker. Summer seems so close and the bushes and trees look they will have leaves any day, but Mother Nature reminds us that she's the one making the weather calls. It's days just like this that are the reason we tell our visiting friends and families to be ready for any season when you're here.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Wednesday, May 20, 2009.

Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in fair condition. Thanks to the snow, Nabesna Road is very muddy and slick. The road is rough in places, especially beyond Mile 36. There is shallow water crossing the road in numerous places. Low clearance vehicles should use caution. Four wheel drive is not required but may be helpful when going up hills.

If you have four wheel drive use it. Help is a long way away.

Insider Tips:

There are a lot of moose around right now, mainly cows with yearling calves. Soon these calves will get the boot from dear old mom so that she can give birth to this year’s calf. At least half of the moose killed by cars in Alaska are calves. Remember when you see a cow moose cross the road, there may be a couple of calves following behind her.

Wildlife Sightings:

Caribou x8 (5/13)

Lynx x1 (5/13)

Moose x12 (5/13, 5/15)

Porcupine x1 (5/13)

Trumpeter Swans x4 (5/13, 5/15)

Harlequin Ducks x5 (5/12)

Hawk Owl (5/11)

Migrants that have arrived:

White Crown Sparrows

Yellow Crown Sparrows

Yellow Legs

Barrow’s Golden Eye

Yellow Shafted Flicker

Snipe

Getting Back to Normal

2009-05-04T16:52:00.008-08:00

Things are getting back to normal on Nabesna Road. Steve DeWitt and his Slana DOT crew have done a great job repairing washouts and smoothing out channels in the stream crossings. We saw a pick-up camper and an out-of-state car with bikes on it so visitors are starting to arrive. Things are pretty wet on the trails and there's still a lot of ice on the lakes. But as you can see from this photo taken at the Slana River Bridge, Mile 1, Nabesna Road, the ice is out on the Slana.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Wednesday, May 6, 2009.

Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in fair condition. The road is rough in places, especially beyond Mile 27. Shallow water is crossing the road in numerous locations. Use caution as muddy water limits visibility, making it difficult to see possible channels. Watch for erosion to the road bed. The road shoulders are extremely soft.
Trail Creek (Mile 29) There is a moderate of water across the road. The water is spread out so no channels. We recommend clearance beyond this point. Use caution if taking a low clearance vehicle across.
Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) Same as above except that there is a potential for a channel to develop. The water is spread out but not over a large area.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road. Intermittent Drainages beyond Jack Creek (Mile 35.3) have shallow water crossing the road.

Insider Tips: When crossing water on Nabesna Road it is important to maintain your momentum until you are clear of all water. You don’t need to hit the water with a lot of speed. And, if you have four wheel drive use it. Help is a long way away.

Wildlife Sightings:
Caribou (5/4)
Lynx (5/4)
Wilson’s Warbler (5/3)
Barrow’s Golden Eye (5/3, 5/4)
Varied Thrush (5/4)
Yellow Legs (sp?) (5/4)
Golden Eagle (5/4)

She's Out - Nabesna Road is Washed Out In At Least One Location

2009-05-01T11:51:00.005-08:00

Well, we knew if was just a matter of time. With spring time snow depths of two to three feet and day time temperatures in the 50's to low 60's, high run-off was a certainty. Water levels will rise as the day warms up.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Monday, May 4, 2009. We will update the report sooner if conditions change or more information becomes available. Thanks to neighbors Tom and Berta for some of the information.

Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in fair to poor condition. The road is mostly dry but there are some muddy patches that are slick. Water is crossing the road in numerous locations. Use caution as muddy water limits visibility, making it difficult to see possible channels.

Mile 20 has water crossing the road in a greater volume than the culvert can handle. This is causing erosion of the road surface and may create channels across the road.

Rock Creek (Mile 20.5) has a larger volume of water than the culvert can handle and is running down the drainage ditch. Watch for erosion of the driving surface especially close to the ditches.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) Unknown – we were unable to reach that point in the road but suspect a moderate to high flow of water across the road with the possibility that channels have formed. Four wheel drive and medium to high clearance are recommended beyond this point.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) Same as above.

Chalk Creek (Mile 31.5) The road is washed out at this point. Water has overflowed a secondary culvert and trenched a channel close to 3 feet deep. Gravel around the was out is very soft.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road. Most of the ice is gone so the crossing is passable by any vehicle.

Intermittent Drainages beyond Jack Creek (Mile 35.3) have shallow water crossing the road.

Insider Tip:

Hey, how's this for a cool photo. Lee took this at about 8:00 this morning at just one of the many places where water is crossing the road.

55 Degrees and Melting Fast!

2009-04-29T17:10:00.010-08:00

We knew it would happen. Spring run off has started. Night time temperatures are staying above freezing and day time highs have been above 50 for the last three days in a row. Pussy willows are out in force and the cottonwoods are showing signs of life. The caribou are still around and the snowshoe hares and ptarmigan are busy changing color.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Friday, May 1, 2009.

Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in good to fair condition. The road is mostly dry but there are some muddy patches that are slick.

Mile 20 has water crossing the road in a greater volume than the culvert can handle. This may cause erosion of the road surface.

Rock Creek (Mile 20.5) has a larger volume of water than the culvert can handle and is running down the drainage ditch. If the ice in the culvert melts, this could correct the problem. As it is now, watch for erosion of the driving surface especially close to the ditches.

Trail Creek (Mile 29) has shallow standing water.

Lost Creek (Mile 30.8) has a moderate flow of water across the road and has begun to form a channel. Low clearance vehicles should use caution.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road. Most of the ice is gone so the crossing is passable by any vehicle.

Intermittent Drainages beyond Jack Creek (Mile 35.3) have shallow water crossing the road.

Insider Tips:

This morning there was no water crossing the road at Mile 20 or at Lost Creek. In just 4 hours the water came up significantly. Use caution and remember that just because you made it across in the morning doesn’t mean you’ll get back across at the end of the day.

Wildlife Sightings:

Caribou x45 (4/27, 4/28, 4/29)

Moose (4/27, 4/29)

Arctic Ground Squirrel (4/27, 4/29)

Boreal Owl (4/27)

Junco (4/27)

Snow Bunting (4/27)

Ptarmigan (4/27)

American Robin (4/27, 4/29)

Sandhill Cranes (4/27)

Swans (sp?) (4/27, 4/28, 4/29)

Mallard Ducks (4/29)

Yellow Legs (sp?) (4/29)

Slopo Glopo

2009-04-24T12:46:00.007-08:00

I don't know if those are words or not but they sure do describe Nabesna Road today. We got any where from four to six inches of heavy wet snow last night so gone is the mostly dry road we had been enjoying. This morning when I left the house it was still snowing lightly. Now at about 1:00 p.m. there is a light breeze and the partly cloudy. Things are melting so every thing you see in these photos will be much muddier now and probably all weekend.

The really wonderful thing about mornings like these is that mine are the first vehicle tracks on the road. I could see the tracks of all the animals that had crossed the road since the snow let up. There were lots and lots of caribou tracks but also Snow Shoe Hare, Red Squirrels, lynx and moose.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Monday, April 27, 2009.

Road Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in fair condition. The entire 42 miles of the road are wet and muddy. Snow pa

tches are slick especially around corners.

Trail Creek (Mile 29)

has shallow standing water.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) has shallow water flowing across the road. Most of the ice is gone so the crossing is passable by any vehicle.

Insider Tips:

Keep in mind that as this new snow and winter’s accumulation melts, conditions at the three water crossings can change rapidly. That includes Trail Creek, Lost Creek and Boyden Creek. In addition, intermittent drainages between Mile 35 and 42 can also carry high volumes of water across the road. Things will start melting faster now as night time lows hover at the freezing mark.

Wildlife Sightings:

Caribou x45 (4/23, 4/24)

Lynx x1 (4/22)

Moose x5 (4/22, 4/24)

Great Gray Owl (4/22)

Great Horned Owl (4/24)

Golden Eagle x3 (4/22, 4/24)

Northern Harrier x4 (4/22, 4/23, 4/24)

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do

2009-04-20T16:34:00.005-08:00

Honestly I love Alaska and especially Nabesna all the time. However, if I had to pick a time to be away from the state, it would be mid-April through the first part of May. Things around Nabesna are pretty muddy and that can make the road just as slick as ice. But the willow catkins are coming out - that's pussy willows for us non-botanist types - and that is a sure sign of spring.

Note: The next Nabesna Road update will be on Friday, April 24, 2009.

Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in good condition. Most of the snow is gone from the road. There are some muddy areas. Be sure to carry a spare tire.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) is building up ice and has water crossing the road. Low clearance vehicles should use caution. Breaking through ice can be hard on vehicles and get you stuck (see 4/13/09 entry).

Insider Tips:
The ptarmigan and hare are starting their spring time molt. The white that hid them so well all winter makes them stick out like sore thumbs during this transition period. Ermine, or short tailed weasels, will also change from white to their summer brown. Arctic fox also change from white to black/brown but we don't have them in the Wrangell's.

Wildlife Sightings:
Lynx (4/20/09)
Moose x2 (4/20/09)
Caribou x15 (4/20/09)
Merlin x1 (4/19/09)
Northern Harrier x1 (4/20/09)

Caribou on the Move

2009-04-15T10:20:00.004-08:00

If the caribou traffic was heavy on Monday, today it was the equivalent of stop and go traffic. Seeing these beautiful animals is just one of the perks of an April visit to Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. Most of the animals in these photos are cows and calves. They look like they came through the winter in good shape.

Road Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in good condition. Most of the snow is gone from the road. There are some muddy areas. Be sure to carry a spare tire.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) is building up ice and has water crossing the road. Low clearance vehicles should use caution. Breaking through ice can be hard on vehicles and get you stuck (see 4/13/09 entry).

Insider Tips: Another bonus of caribou traffic - wolves follow these migrations. So if you've never seen a wolf in the wild, this migration might be a good opportunity. The bottom line is - get out there. You can't see it from the recliner.

Wildlife Sightings:
Caribou x200 (4/15/09) Northern Hawk Owl (4/14/09) Bald Eagle (4/14/09)

Nabesna Road Traffic Alert - Caribou Refuse to Give Up Right-of-Way

2009-04-13T12:44:00.009-08:00

We have enjoyed seeing caribou all winter but it is especially thrilling to see them crossing Nabesna Road on their way to calving grounds. Because of the deeper than usual snow they are making use of the road much the way that we do - they can make time. But the caribou don't like to get off the road and leap into the deeper snow berms that line the road. Now that the surface of the snow is getting crusty, they risk injury as well. So, Lee and I suggest that when you get behind a group of caribou who just don't want to let you by, slow down and enjoy the beautiful spring weather. I always remind myself that I could be stuck in Seattle traffic or LA!

Road Conditions:
Nabesna Road is in good condition. Most of the snow is gone from the road. There are some muddy areas. Be sure to carry a spare tire.
Boyden Creek (Mile 34.3) is building up ice and has water crossing the road. Low clearance vehicles should use caution. Breaking through ice can be hard on vehicles and get you stuck (voice of experience).

Insider Tips:
Just this winter I misread the ice at Trail Creek (Mile 29.0) and dropped through about six inches of snow into a deep hole. Even with four wheel drive I couldn't get out. In fact, I just managed to get more stuck. Thanks to our good neighbors at Sportsmen's Paradise Lodge who pulled my truck out, I was able to go on my way. Help can be a long way away on Nabesna Road and despite the caribou traffic, you are not likely to meet many, it any, vehicles. Your cell phone may work as far down the road as Long Lake (Mile 22.9) but don't count on it. No matter what time of year you visit, be prepared with extra food, water, appropriate outdoor gear, and some common sense.

Wildlife Sightings:
Caribou x25 - 30 (daily)
Golden Eagle (4/13/09)

There's No Place Like Home

2009-04-10T12:37:00.007-08:00

It's great to be home. Five days in Anchorage is plenty. The weather was great while I was there - always a bonus. It was even nice enough a couple of days to sit on a park bench and eat my lunch. Thank goodness for good friends like Dean and Joan who provided a place to stay and a desk with computer to check e-mail. Pearl, our Corgi, injured a disk in her neck necessitating the unplanned trip. She's doing better and we are back into our familiar routine.

I took this photo this morning from Nabesna Road, mile 36 looking southwest toward the Skookum Volcano Formation. The north sides of the mountains still have a lot of snow. Our day time temperatures have been in the mid-30's but night temperatures are still dropping to zero or lower. So, the melting and thawing are slow but none-the-less coming.

Road Conditions:

Nabesna Road is in good condition. Slana had about 2" of snow last night so there may be some icy conditions in that area.
Boyden Creek, mile 34.3, has some water crossing the road and freezing at night. As of noon today, the water and ice are shallow but this could change as temperatures continue to warm. This photo of the Boyden Creek road crossing was taken this morning at 10:30 looking south.

Insider Tips:

Time is running out for making it to Tanada Lake or Copper Lake for ice fishing. Snowmachine trail conditions are still good.

The Mentasta Caribou herd's migration route may not be exactly what you would expect. They travel north in the winter where the snow isn't so deep, making foraging for moss and lichen, mainstays of the their diet, easier. Then in the spring the cows and calves head for calving grounds to the south on the slopes of Mt. Sanford and Drum.

Wildlife Sightings:

After a week of no caribou sightings, they were back in force today.

Caribou x60 (4/10/09)
Moose x2 (4/10/09)
Snowshoe Hare (daily)
Snow Buntings (4/09, 4/10/09)
Lapland Longspurs (4/09/09)

Sorry, I've Been Away

2009-04-07T16:51:00.002-08:00

Hello Everyone,

I have been in Anchorage since shortly after my last posting. I apologize for not updating road conditions. I am told by Lee who is at home delivering mail and taking care of chickens, that the road is in good shape. He says that the weather is glorious. I'll be heading home tomorrow with Pearl (see Pearl of Nabesna Blogs from Jack Creek). I will provide a full update on Friday, April 10, 2009.

Winter Hasn't Let Go Yet!

2009-04-03T08:36:00.004-08:00

m
We woke up this morning to a chilly house. Granted, we hadn't stoked the fire too much last night because it has been staying right around zero. This morning we had -20F! Certainly a reminder that in Alaska, winter, or at least winter-like conditions, last through April. High overcast has moved in this morning and the forecast is for snow showers.

Road Conditions:

Nabesna Road is in good condition
Watch for ice at Skookum Creek (Mile 40.5)
The Alaska Department of Transportation (DOT) is working on the road at Skookum Creek.

Insider Tips:
As the days warm up into the 20's and low 30's the snow develops an icy crust. So while the snow isn't as deep, it gets more difficult to get around on. Even though we are still below 32 degrees, on a sunny day moisture is evaporating. Still, there's a little time left to enjoy the snow and long days before it gets too crunchy.

Wildlife Sightings:
We are seeing quite a few moose right now. They are beginning to move from winter feeding areas to calving areas. The caribou seem to have moved on toward their calving grounds on the slopes of Mt. Sanford and Mt. Drum.

Moose (4/2, 4/3)
Snow Buntings (daily)
Snowshoe Hare (daily)

April Fools (If You're Not Here!)

2009-04-01T15:04:00.005-08:00

What a way to start April. It is in the upper 20's in the Nabesna area with mostly clear skies. There's nothing like a few days in Anchorage to make you fall in love with this place all over again. With Mt. Redoubt erupting or spewing ash and steam on a regular basis, Anchorage seemed even less appealing than usual. Thankfully, very little of Mt. Redoubt's ash has made it out here. This is a nice view of Mt. Sanford looking south from Nabesna Road. Lee took this at 10:30 this morning.

Road Conditions:

Nabesna Road is in good condition.
Watch for ice at Skookum Creek (Mile 40.5).

Insider Tips: Most of the road is still snow packed but there is a lot of dirt and rock showing through. That means flat tire season isn't far away. Make sure you have at least one spare tire in good repair with you (as well as a jack and lug wrench). We usually keep two with us.

Wildlife Sightings:
Moose - 4/1
Spruce Grouse - 4/1
Snow Buntings - Daily

Spring Is In The Air

2009-03-27T08:39:00.004-08:00

During the winter, the black spruce growing along side Nabesna Road turn an almost black color. As spring time nears and the days grow longer and warmer, the trees take on their familiar green color. This seems to happen over night and the change is, to me, even more dramatic than when the leaves first appear in late May.

Update Note:
The next update to the Nabesna Road Blog will be on Wednesday, April 1, 2009 (no joke!).

Road Conditions:

Nabesna Road is currently in good condition.
Watch for ice at Rock Lake (Mile 21.8)
Skookum Creek (Mile 40.5) - water is beginning to flow over the road over ice.

Insider Tips: It's a beautiful day. Take a drive this weekend and enjoy seeing the Boreal Forest wake up.

Wildlife Sightings:
Caribou (daily)
Moose (3/26)
Lynx (3/27)
Ptarmigan (3/27)
Snow buntings (daily)
North American Dipper (3/25)

Welcome to the Nabesna Road blog.

2009-03-25T11:11:00.009-08:00

Here it is - the debut posting on the Nabesna Road blog. The purpose of this blog is to share an up-to-date road condition report and share tips for things to see and do on your visit to the northern district of Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve. I plan to share wildlife sightings including birds but you have to get out there yourself to see them. I'm not going to tell you where they are. Part of the magic of living here and visiting this amazing place is making discoveries on your own. I want to provide insider information that will help your visit be safe and as rewarding as possible. Nothing puts a damper on a visit like having your heart set on hiking the Skookum Volcano Trail only to find that the road is washed out at Boyden Creek just two miles short of the trail head. The National Park Service has a road guide available at visitor centers and on-line.

Current Road Conditions as of March 25, 2009

Nabesna Road is in good condition.
There is ice on the road at Rock Lake, Mile 21.8, and also near the Skookum Volcano Trail head at Mile 36.2.
Icy patches are developing as temperatures warm up during the day but drop down to zero or below at night.
Watch for caribou on the road.

Insider Information
We have an approximate snow base of 36" along the road depending on where the wind has shifted it around. Beautiful blue ice falls are visible from Mile 36 on in both the Mentasta Mountains to the north and the Skookum Volcano Formation to the south. With longer and warmer days, this is a great time of year to access backcountry locations. Both Tanada Lake and Copper Lake are popular snowmachine in spots for ice fishing for Lake Trout and Burbot.

Wildlife Sightings

Caribou daily
Lynx (3/24)