Alaska Arctic Observatory and Knowledge Hub

10/01/2026

Good afternoon! We have observations and photos to share from Ulġuniq, Qikiqtaġruk and Utqiaġvik this week, including coastal erosion, caribou migration, colder temperatures and successful bowhead harvest:

10/1 in Ulġuniq (Wainwright): “lots of changes after the last 2 sw storms lots of erosion along the northern coast of wainwright today north winds 8 mph temp 26f the freeze is upon us

Live to hunt another day” - Jase Ahmaogak

10/1 in Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue): “October welcomed the coldest day since the night time temperatures dipped below freezing a week ago. It was 21 degrees this morning with North winds blowing at 20 MPH. The Kobuk Lake is still ice free as the water is still warm enough to prevent forming ice. The forecast calls for warmer temperatures as a weak low pressure will pass by. Snow is expected tonight through Friday then clearing skies for the weekend with lows dipping in the mid-twenties and highs in the mid-thirties. I see posts of two inches of snow in the upper Kobuk.

The caribou herd that was camped out in the mountains near Point Hope was on the move South this past week. This cold snap should speed them along. The large bulls go into their rut after the first week of October. I hope some of the herd passes by the villages before the rut cycle. The young bulls go into rut a few weeks after the large mature bulls start theirs.” - Bobby Schaeffer

9/28 in Utqiaġvik: “September 26 was a beautiful calm day with temperatures 30f to 35f and 3 healthy bowhead whales were landed in Barrow ranging from 31 to 41 feet in length. A young healthy bear also is opportunistic feeding on a young walrus carcass near Shop 3 so please be aware that bears are around and can be extremely dangerous.” - Billy Adams

09/24/2026

Good afternoon! We have observations and photos to share from Kaktovik, Utqiaġvik and Ulġuniq today, including foggy weather, caribou hunting and community meetings around survival and safety:

9/23 in Kaktovik: “It has been snowing, misting , raining and a little wind thrown in with an occasional fog. The roads are getting hard but also very muddy. I saw some of the smaller to midsize ponds with a thin layer of ice on them already. More is chunks have come back. We still have ptarmigan, snow geese and night owls hanging around.
Other notes: 31F, west winds 18 mph, overcast and foggy, light snow, ice visible on the ocean, polar bear sighted.” - Carla SimsKayotuk

9/23 in Utqiaġvik: “I attended an Elders Youth Conference in Utqiagvik and it will go on till Thursday. We heard very helpful tips from hunters across the North Slope who shared their experiences about the change in weather related patterns and safety concerns that comes with the present days that we live in. There is also a written Travel Survival Tips as told by Pete Sovalik. Pete himself was like a doctor and veterinarian of all species on the North Slope. When ever KBRW puts on the Quliaqtuagaat hour I tune in to listen to what it was like decades ago a wealth of information to learn from…” - Billy Adams

9/22 in Ulġuniq (Wainwright): “today winds sw 20-30 mph temp 30f its been a good week for migrating caribou up k*k river everyone filling up their freezers for the long winter ahead its been snowing off n on lately but no real freeze yet

Live to hunt another day” - Jase Ahmaogak

09/22/2026

For the past two years, AAOKH observers have been sharing their observations and knowledge of sea ice, ocean conditions, and marine life with the Arctic Ocean modeling team at UAF's International Arctic Research Center, and that knowledge has been used to check and improve their computer model.

Here's what they found: the model got something wrong. It said sea ice froze up earlier in 2019 than it actually did, during a year when the ocean was unusually warm. Our observers' firsthand knowledge of the ice caught a problem that scientific data alone had missed.

But this wasn't just about fixing the model. It went both ways. Working together also means we're now starting to look at how the model could help answer questions that matter to our communities, like conditions for safe travel on the ice, or what affects traditional harvests, rather than only the questions scientists think to ask. That work is just beginning.

We're continuing to work with the modeling team to keep improving the model and to make sure it's useful for the people who depend on this knowledge every day.

Quyanaqpak and taikuu to the observers who make this work possible, and to the research team for building this partnership with us.

Read the paper here:

Combining Indigenous Knowledge with Arctic Ocean modeling can strengthen climate science while supporting community needs, creating ongoing, two-way partnerships.

09/21/2026

Good afternoon! We are excited to share our latest edition of AAOKH News!

In this issue observers highlight the health and abundance of fish, seal and caribou harvests and note the stormy late winter (January- March) conditions. Other highlights include spring whaling conditions in Utqiaġvik, an update on AAOKH curriculum development, and a highlight of longtime observer Billy Adams. In this issue we are also thrilled to announce the launch of the AAOKH Endowment. Visit our AAOKH website to learn more!

We are excited to share our latest edition of AAOKH News! In this issue observers highlight the health and abundance of fish, seal and caribou harvests and note the stormy late winter (January- Ma…

09/21/2026

Good afternoon! We have observations and photos to share from Utqiaġvik, Tikiġaq, Kaktovik and Qikiqtaġruk today, including polar bears near town, caribou rutting, the end of the fall whaling season in Kaktovik and an upcoming fall herring run in Qikiqtaġruk:

9/21 in Utqiaġvik: “The weather is slowly getting cooler. A phalarope is still around, a fat bear was near the football field so be aware and spread the word to make it a practice to look around your surroundings….” - Billy Adams

9/20 in Tikiġaq (Point Hope): “Gm. 37⁰ north 20-25mph cloudy/rain/snow photos from thurs and Friday hunting trip north of Point Hope. North shelter connex pic/location/altitude. Was a little colder up north with snow at times. With a little colder temps then recent years seems like the Caribou are starting the rutt earlier this year compared to the last 4 or 5 years where the rut usually started in early October. Healthy fat male Caribou. Overnight at shelter connex.. big dipper lights.” - Guy Omnik

9/19 in Kaktovik: “we got snow a few days ago and it’s now foggy and misty rain. Our ice hasn’t come back after the big wind we had couple weeks ago. We have a few chunks of ice here and there but lots of open ocean water. The snow geese are still here but mostly young new borns with a few adults to supervise. i also saw just a handful of white fronted geese, one young crane, loon and a few other kind of ducks. We have just a few polar bears hanging around the sandbars and visiting the bone pile. All appear to be healthy looking.
Our whalers are done for the season ending it with a successful hunt.
Other notes: 34F, ENE winds 8 mph, overcast, we still have a patch of snow that hasn’t melted from the snow fences, boating to hunting grounds, whaling ends.” - Carla SimsKayotuk

9/17 in Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue): “With low pressure storms skirting the Bering Sea, the weather here is forecasted to remain warm for this time of the year. High temperatures will be around 40 degrees with lows in the low to mid thirties. The main part of these lows will hit the Southwest part of the state with their strength then move into interior Alaska with a lot of wind and rain. NOAA did mention in a Climate Alert article that the Northern Hemisphere will experience increased storm activity due to record land and ocean temperatures around the equator. More heat, more ev***ration resulting in a tremendous amount of v***r being emitted into the atmosphere.

The Fall herring run is expected soon. This is a good time to hunt seal as they will fatten up quickly festing on fat herring. I certainly hope this year's run is strong. We had a short herring season last Spring as the herring run was weak.” - Bobby Schaeffer

09/15/2026

Good afternoon! We have observations and photos to share from Utqiaġvik, Qikiqtaġruk, Tikiġaq and Ulġuniq this week, including fat polar bears, wet windy weather and high water levels:

9/15 in Utqiaġvik: “Fat polar bears behave differently than bears that are lean, this bear is healthy and responded quickly to move away from a highly experienced bear hazer. High winds arrived from the west and brought wet windy conditions and fast moving waters. The winds were 25-35 mph with occasional gust to 40 and it did damage, we were grateful that it was not any windier as it could have been much more costly.” - Billy Adams

9/15 in Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue): “Woke up to 50 degrees this morning with SE winds to 10 and rain. The forecast is for highs around 50 with lows in the low 40'sfor the week. Back in the day, we would be fishing on the ice in front of town. What a difference. The lows from the record heat in the Pacific just keeps coming.Wet and muggy outside. Not used to high humidity this time of the year.” - Bobby Schaeffer

9/13 in Tikiġaq (Point Hope): “Gm. Water levels went back down over night... i put yesterdays pictures and todays pictures to compare water level rising. 43⁰ south 5-10mph.” - Guy Omnik

9/12 in Ulġuniq (Wainwright): “the sw storm has arrivedthe predicted winds of 40 mph sw right now it is 35g 40 sw with rain u can feel the waves slamming into the rock all below my house the waters so high there is no beach as of right now

Live to hunt another day” - Jase Ahmaogak

09/10/2026

Good afternoon! We have observations and photos to share today, including healthy bowhead harvests in Utqiaġvik and Kaktovik (yay hey hey!!), stormy weather and fish harvests in Qikiqtaġruk, and caribou around Tikiġaq:

9/9 in Utqiaġvik: “September brings cooler temperatures and the migration of bowhead whales coming from Canada who spend their summers are heading towards Russia then down to the Bering Sea where they winter. The whales continue to be healthy as same for polar bears. The North Slope Borough is a blessing to the science world and to the users of this majestic whale species who collects samples that can use them to look at the age of the whale, it's reproductive activity, and the possible presences of any new deceases that can be of concern. Congratulations to the whalers and may God continue to Bless our beautiful communities.” - Billy Adams

9/9 in Kaktovik: “Our weather has gotten colder, wetter and foggy foggy. The ice moved out further after we had strong winds a few days ago. We have harvested 2 bowhead whales. The mountains when we can see them are covered in snow. We are only seeing about 9 polar bears around our area. All healthy looking.
Other notes: 38F, N-NW winds 17 mph, foggy and rainy, polar bears and waterfowl sighted” - Carla SimsKayotuk

9/9 in Qikiqtaġruk (Kotzebue): “The weather has taken center stage again this Fall. We are in the midst of a storm coming over from Siberia. It's a huge storm packing a lot of Pacific Ocean moisture. Looks like rain and a lot of South to Southwest winds gusting to 35 mph through Sunday. Stay home kind of weather. NWS issued an advisory for coastal flooding with rising water levels 2 to 4 feet above flood stage from the YK Delta all the way to Barrow. Folks are asked to be prepared by placing personal property in a safe place.

I needed to put away more salmon for the winter. We went up to the first canyon on the Noatak River and set a short net. Our hope was to get more Dolly Varden trout since it is our favorite kauk fish (eat frozen with seal oil). But we got 2 Dolly's, 2 reds, one silver and 20 nice silvery chums. Then the rains came. Got them in the freezer. It appears the late run is strong, When this run is strong and the weather cooperates, this run spawns late and provides us with a good run in 4 years. “

9/8 in Tikiġaq (Point Hope): “48⁰ mostly clear skies calm winds. Yesterdays ride. Caribou” - Guy Omnik

09/02/2026

Good morning! We have observations and photos to share from Ulġuniq, Tikiġaq and Utqiaġvik this week, including fall stormy weather, a polar bear near town, and lots of migratory birds:

9/1 in Ulġuniq: “the fall storms have begun the sea is raging as the winds are sw 25-30 mph temp 34f a bear was harvested near town too close for comfort local hunters put the bear down for safety reason since alot of people are out now picking berries

Live to hunt another day” - Jase Ahmaogak

9/1 in Tikiġaq: “Gm. 36⁰ this morning west winds 15-20mph cloudy rain. 1st snow in the mountain tops and some early morning snow in town. “ - Guy Omnik

8/31 in Utqiaġvik: “An ice breaker from a foreign country getting supplies on a windy day. Whaling captains wives has an organization to help the Barrow Whaling Captain's Association to fundraise for crews as the women are the true leaders in our community of Barrow, we cannot go without their genuine support! Quyanaqpak and God's wonderful Blessings to all this fall to the communities, be safe and strong!” - Billy Adams

8/31 in Utqiaġvik: “Went with UIC Science to retrieve an instrument that was placed on the ice in March near a trail then it drifted to Cooper Island in August. Thank you UIC Science for an enjoyable and learning experience. There were many Shear Water sea birds that are feeding both in the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas.” - Billy Adams

8/31 in Utqiaġvik: “August has been warmer than usual, the migratory birds with the exception of the ravens are getting ready to head south. The ravens are very smart and these ones were playing catch with a couple rocks. Good to see healthy birds!” - Billy Adams

08/26/2026

Good morning! We have observations and photos to share from Utqiaġvik and Kaktovik today, including high water levels, pack ice near shore, vessel traffic, geese and one nanuq observed:

8/26 in Utqiaġvik: “August continues to remind ourselves to prepare for autumn and her weather and conditions. Southerly and westerly winds brings up water levels and the Chukchi Sea moves the currents and waves with much more intensity and moves sand and soil. Knowledge passed through generations of the seasons and conditions has been helpful for our survival. Let us be glad in it today.” - Billy Adams

8/25 in Kaktovik: “Today we had a mixture of clouds, wind and now rain. The ice pack has moved a little bit , maybe another 1/2 mile out. One healthy polar bear has been visiting the bone pile the last couple days. People keep going out looking for caribou but not having much luck along the coast. The geese are back with their young and are gathering to head south.
Other notes: it’s unusual that the ice pack is just 1-2 miles from shore, 42F, east winds 8mph, overcast and foggy, rain, ice mirage and pack ice visible on the ocean 2 miles away.” - Carla SimsKayotuk

08/25/2026

Good afternoon! We have observations and photos to share from Kotzebue and Wainwright this week, including stormy weather and high surf:

8/24 in Kotzebue: “Hello Donna! Our first little storm! We are experiencing the back side of the storm. It blew South at 40 last night and this morning. Now the wind switched to the Southwest. NWS forecasts a 2 to 4 foot storm surge above flood stage. It’s only a 995 mb low but it’s producing some strong winds.
It petered out after midnight and the water began to drop. But rain forecasted for the rest of the week. Got the folks in Kotzebue a little nervous as I saw a lot of cars checking water levels.” - Bobby Schaeffer

8/25 in Wainwright: “our first big storm of the summer/fall has hit us winds sw 30-35 mph temp 45f we have high surf advisory of 1-3 ft above normal high tide our rock wall is put to work today cab hear the waves slamming into the rock wall” - Jase Ahmaogak