Utqiaġvik
The Iñupiat community of Utqiaġvik is located on the northernmost tip of Alaska between the Chukchi and Beaufort Seas. It is the largest community on the North Slope of Alaska and is a hub for smaller villages in the region and for scientists doing Arctic research.
Utqiaġvik is a whaling community, and many of the activities occurring throughout the year are relevant to the preparation for either the fall or spring whale hunt. Fall whaling generally occurs during the month of October while spring whaling occurs from March to May, depending on ocean and sea ice conditions.
Utqiaġvik is also a hotspot for migratory birds due to the unique climate and geography of the region. Travel access and subsistence activities are heavily influenced by wind and weather patterns which control local ocean and sea ice conditions.
Billy Adams
Billy Adams' observations
Billy Adams has contributed observations since 2015. In his observations you will find vivid descriptions and explanations of environmental conditions, sea ice formation and safety, Inupiaq terms, explanations of cultural activities and humor.
Billy's seasonal calendar (click to enlarge)
This figure highlights the seasonal harvest activities regularly conducted by Billy Adams and his recollection of what is normal timing for sea and river ice freeze up and break up.
Joe Mello Leavitt
Joe Leavitt's observations
Joe Mello Leavitt has contributed observations since 2006, and is AAOKH’s longest contributing Observer. In his observations you will find intimate knowledge of the sea ice including how it forms and how to evaluate if the ice is safe to travel on.
Joe's seasonal calendar (click to enlarge)
This figure highlights the seasonal harvest activities regularly conducted by Joe Leavitt and his recollection of what is normal timing for sea and river ice freeze up and break up.
About seasonal calendars
The outer bands track ice safety, showing safe travel on sea and lagoon ice from roughly December through April, break-up and open water during summer, and freeze-up in autumn.
The inner rings map harvesting windows for wildlife: caribou and ice fishing span late autumn to winter; geese, seals (ringed and bearded), and whales (beluga and bowhead) are hunted during spring and summer open-water periods; and rod fishing and berry gathering occur in late summer.