River Watch Program

We have relied for many years on observations of Alaska village residents describing the river ice condition in front of the village. Supplemental aerial observations from aircraft flying at low to mid-level altitudes have significantly enhanced the information on ice conditions. Since ice conditions can vary significantly along a river and can change rapidly during the breakup process, numerous observations are needed statewide to assess the status of breakup. It must be stressed that we are looking for reliable and objective reports.

The River Watch Program is a voluntary program that is...

• Asking pilots and village residents to provide reports of river ice conditions
• Requesting pilot observations that can be obtained without deviation from the normal route or flight level
• Stressing that river ice observations only be taken when it can be done safely
• Serving the purpose to assist the NWS in providing accurate forecasts, warnings, and navigation information

River and lake ice observations can be provided to the Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (APRFC) via:

• radio from aircraft to AFSS with observations for inclusion in a PIREP
• phone at 1-800-847-1739
• email report and/or photos to nws.ar.aprfc@noaa.gov

Additional information about the program and tools to download are available at the following links:

Program background:

• Frequently Asked Questions about River Watch Program
• River Watch Program (single page flyer)
• View River Watch Program Presentation

Training materials:

• Text Description of River Breakup
• Maps with River Miles
• Download River Ice Remarks Checklist (MS Word)
• Download River Ice Remarks Checklist (pdf)
• Download Pilot Report Format and River Ice Remarks Checklist (pdf)
• Download Guide to River Ice in normal page sequence format (pdf)
• Download Guide to River Ice in two-sided booklet printing format (pdf)
• 2015 Kuskokwim River Breakup with Riverwatch Team Video

Results:

• View Breakup Map
• View Annual PIREP Maps
• Search Observations
• View Watches and Warnings
• View Breakup Text Summary

Many thanks to the FSS, other partner agencies, commercial and private pilots, and village residents for their river ice observations during the ice breakup seasons.