February 10, 2010 Brad Sipperley, River Watch, Aerial Data Collection For Improved River Break Up Forecasting, National Weather Survey

River Watch, Aerial Data Collection For Improved River Break Up Forecasting

Brad Sipperley
NOAA National Weather Service

NOAA’s National Weather Service (NWS) monitors ice breakup conditions throughout Alaska to assess flood threats and navigational hazards. The River Watch Program is a voluntary program asking pilots and other individuals to report observed river conditions that can be obtained without deviation from the normal route or flight level. The purpose of program is to assist the NWS in providing accurate forecasts, warnings, and river navigation information.

Supplemental aerial observations from aircraft flying at low to mid-level altitudes significantly enhance the information on ice conditions. Since ice conditions can be significantly different along a river and can change rapidly during the breakup process, numerous observations are needed statewide to assess the status of breakup.