JIM WELLER (1:123/140) wrote to STEVEN HORN at 22:39 on 13 Jan 2003:

 JW> It's now fallen to the -35 to -39 range which may be awkward for us
 JW> but it's good news for the trucking and mining industry. The roads
 JW> should take shape quickly now.

I'd have to say "Good for the roads!" but personally that's a bit
colder than I like.  We're at around -20 at the moment and while it should
be colder to let the Yukon freeze for the Quest, it suits me.

 JW> The ferry usually shuts down late Nov to mid Dec but in recent
 JW> years it generally makes it until close to Christmas. The ice road
 JW> used to open after a 2-3 week delay after that. But in recent
 JW> years, using sprayers to build up the bridge quickly with freezing
 JW> water, it is often ready the same day the ferry shuts down for the
 JW> season.

The wonders of modern technology.  Have they figured out how to cope with
the Spring delay yet? 

 JW> The ferry is still running despite the low temps. It now runs 24
 JW> hours a day whether it has passengers or not, just to break up the
 JW> new ice in the narrow channel it runs in.

Doesn't it become more cost effective to use the ice bridge at some point?

 JW> That would be a shame.

Things are looking up a bit as a result of the temperatures returning to
normal.  We may have to live with a ceremonial start in Whitehorse but it
is beginning to look like we will have a race.

Take care,

Steven Horn (steven_a_horn{at}yahoo.ca)
Moderator, ALASKA_CHAT 
--- timEd/386 1.10.y2k+