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Norton Sound Unstable

PostPosted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:08 am
by txbennett
Racers have been instructed to follow the trail overland from Shaktoolik to Koyuk! :o :o :o

The 2019 Iditarod sled dog race begins this weekend, with 52 mushers set to make the 1,000-mile journey from Willow to Nome. Once the front runners reach the Norton Sound coast, in a week or so, Iditarod staff have instructed them to follow the trail overland rather than cross the unstable sea ice.

Re: Norton Sound Unstable

PostPosted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 5:34 am
by Another UK Fan
Right. Thanks Tx. A lot of race plan adjustments being made right now I guess. Do you know what this instability is?

Re: Norton Sound Unstable

PostPosted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 7:18 am
by txbennett
Open water and shifting ice cited in the article. Not just unstable -- dangerous!! :!: :!: Not just advised -- instructed!!

As I read it they will not have a marked trail on the ice.

Re: Norton Sound Unstable

PostPosted: Sat Mar 02, 2019 7:30 am
by tanglefoot
iceberg!!

Re: Norton Sound Unstable

PostPosted: Thu Mar 07, 2019 5:39 pm
by Frozen Chosen
This year is 2nd year in row that Bering Sea has historic low percentage of ice pack. See link to one of several articles you can find online:

https://www.maritime-executive.com/arti ... winter-ice

In the last month, the coastal area fr Unalakleet to Nome, on up the coast toward Kotzebue (home of John Baker btw) have has several major storms that broke up what little pack ice had formed in December (during cold spell).

Re: Norton Sound Unstable

PostPosted: Fri Mar 08, 2019 12:30 am
by mira
It's the same in our parts as well, the sea ice are melting.

At least we don't have to worry for the mushers getting lost on the sea ice this year.