Posted on 05/15/2013 10:06:25 PM PDT by Jack Hydrazine
Reader Psalmon writes:
"Nenana River ice breakup nears top three latest dates in 97 years of contest."
It may have escaped notice, but this last Saturday the locals in Nanana, AK hooked up the clock to determine the breakup and winner of the annual Nenana Ice Classic. Further ice measurements were apparently suspended last Thursday with the last measurement of 40 inches (just).
If you think May 11 seems late for starting the countdown, it is.
After the fourth earliest breakup in 2012 (April 23), as of this afternoon on May 14th, the tripod still stands, making 2013 the fourth latest breakup in the 97 years of the contest. Only 1935 (May 15), 1945 (May 16), and 1964 (May 21) still rate longer.
It’s hard to forget geophysicist Martin Jeffries at the University of Alaska, Fairbanks saying in 2009,
"The Nenana Ice Classic is a pretty good proxy for climate change in the 20th century."
Sage insight.
Thanks for this info. I’ve been watching this every day but it doesn’t seem like the ice is ever going to go. I hope it sets a new record.
The Icy Nenana River (Ice Classic)
http://wattsupwiththat.com/2013/05/15/the-icy-nenana-river/
The Official Website of the
Nenana Ice Classic 2013
http://www.nenanaakiceclassic.com/
And if it doesn’t go?
If it doesn't go, I guess they'll have to roll the money over until next year. LOL! We used to play this "lottery" when I lived in Fairbanks. Sure wish I could have hit it once but I'm not that lucky.
Snow in the forecast for Fairbanks.
That reminds me, I didn’t get a Powerball ticket
FAIRBANKS — The jackpot for the Nenana Ice Classic will be a record $338,062. Now, it’s just a matter of time before a winner — or winners, as is usually the case — is decided.
This quote is from the Palin-hating Alaska Dispatch in their article just posted
As Alaska river ice holds, Nenana Ice Classic may be headed for a record
“The annual guessing game began 97 years ago as a bet between railroad workers about when the river would start running come spring. Today, Alaskans pay $2.50 for a chance to guess the exact day, hour, and minute the ice on the Tanana River will go out – pulling with it the famous red-and-white striped tripod, which stops a shore-mounted clock nearby. If nobody guesses the exact time, the closest guess wins, regardless of whether it is over or under the actual ice-out time. Ties share the jackpot, and frequently several tickets share the winning time.”
“Last year’s jackpot — won by Fairbanks’ Thomas Waters — was a record $350,000. Waters correctly guessed that the black and white tripod would fall at 7:39 p.m. on April 23, 2012. He walked away with $242,000 after taxes.”
Everybody sure is getting all kinds of ducks though. With on open water, they set down in small pools along the road. Other day, I kicked out between 400-500 ducks within a quarter mile of road from the ditches; most I've ever seen in that single spot, usually maybe 75; crazy season.
And if it doesn’t go?
Somebody will depth charge the ice and get it flowing.
We don’t have the lottery here. This is big money.
I wish I was where you are. I miss that place.
The leaves aren’t out yet.
I had some. I’ve got to get up and go to work in the morning. LOL!
That would remind of the 80s movie, “Up The Creek” where the army guys blow up the river! LOL!
The snow has finally almost all melted. The geese and ducks ar waiting for the lakes to turn to water.
The whole movie is posted on GoogTube!
I will have to check it out.
Post link if possible.
Many thanks!
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.