On the Yukon River, recent warm weather and high tides have opened holes in the ice near Kotlik. One hole spans 50 yards wide and poses a safety threat, according to Kotlik Village Police Officer Daniel Teeluk.
“We had an incident where a snowmachine had almost gone through the open hole,” he said.
No one was injured, and the snowmachiners reported the hole to public safety officials. Now, Kotlik Search and Rescue personnel are marking the hole, which is located near the OP Lighthouse and the spit.
Teeluk said the hole is on the left side of the Yukon for those traveling upriver. Even though the hole will be marked, he said travelers should be very cautious on the river.
“Our recent cold snap last night laid out thin ice on top of it and there’s snow cover, so it’s going to be extra dangerous,” he said. “Be careful when you’re around that area — OP Lighthouse, coming to Kotlik. This goes for Kotlik people as well as the surrounding villages.”
