trail markers used on Bethel – Kwethluk trail every 1/10 of mile or less apart
This is the route BSAR marked on 12-6 between Bethel and Kwethluk
BSAR crew takes a coffee break with Kwethluk’s main winter safety man: Elia Epchook (3rd from left)
BSAR President Mike Riley leads crew. Members Hugh Ashepak & Jim Pete, Jr. in the background
The BSAR crew heads home at the end of a good day on the River
A hardworking crew of BSAR members marked the trail between Bethel and Kwethluk today. Markers are wooden stakes with white reflectors spaced 1/10 of a mile or less apart.
They also finished marking the recently frozen open water areas as the new ice over these holes is 3″ or less.
trees with blue reflectors are used to mark open water & thin ice areas
A small BSAR team made an advance recon trip through Kuskoquak Slough upstream of Kwethluk to its upper end where it meets the main Kuskokwim. This stretch of river is not recommended for general travel yet. There are still at least 3 open holes. One very large unmarked open hole is dangerously close to where the normal trail would be. The ice is very smooth and slippery. It would be hard for someone who gets off the trail to stop in time to avoid the deep, swift water.
BSAR member Nick Phillips points out the large open hole in Kuskoquak Slough above Kwethluk
A big thank you to all the BSAR members who helped out today with improving safe travel for the People along the River.
