Above normal temperatures in the month of November followed by a series of storms makes varying ice conditions.
Kotzebue experienced one blizzard after another in March, and now with so much piled up and drifted snow, the community is struggling to dig out.
"The sea level rise and wind is making this happen because it is really vulnerable. We are always really amazed every time we go out there with the change, and pieces of earth the size of a house falling over."
The rate of coastal erosion seems to be speeding up near Cape Blossom.
Mayor Clyde Ramoth says frozen pipes are a chronic problem due to issues with the initial installation of the above-ground water system. The warming climate isn’t making things any easier.
High water posed safety hazards and resulted in the removal of boardwalk but also allowed boats to go further up river than usual.
Willows budding about a month early 30 miles above the Arctic Circle.
Coastal erosion occurring near Cape Blossom, outside of Kotzebue, Alaska.
Coastal erosion near Cape Blossom
Permafrost thawing causing bridge damage.
We performed a survey of community water lines to see how permafrost thaw and sinking foundations may be impacting homes, water and waste water systems. During the June visit we saw where foundation sinking was putting stress on pipe runs and junctions. Now in the winter we see evidence of freeze up in some of the homes where the junction boxes have been compromised, gaps in the insulation seal, and resulting freeze up and overflow of water.
All Topics
All Countries
Any Date
Apply