There is now a marked trail between Bethel and Kwethluk. On Saturday, Bethel Search and Rescue planted markers between the two communities using willows and orange stakes. The ice ranges from five to eight inches thick along the trail; although it's only four inches in some spots. In other areas, open holes remain. Bethel Search and Rescue says the trails are only thick enough for snowmachines and four-wheelers.
“We started marking trail from Bethel, through Straight Slough, from Straight Slough across to Church Slough, and in Church Slough we did not put any markers because there’s only one trail all the way through," said Bethel Search and Rescue President Mike Riley, explaining the route. "And on the upper end of Church Slough we went up on the upper end of the west side of the river, marking the trail, and then from there we went to the mouth of the Y, which is the Kuskoquak and Akiachak River, and we went there towards the Shortcut Slough island, and then from there to Kwethluk.”
Many open holes have begun forming a thin layer of ice and look identical to the surrounding sturdy ice, so caution is advised for travelers. Riley highlights the biggest holes to avoid:
“The one place closest to Bethel is by the Bluffs, upriver from Bethel," Riley said. "And the mouth of the Gweek has a big open hole. And there is another open hole in Kuskoquak Slough by the Kinegak fish camps. And the other one is in the lower end of Kwethluk.”
Each trail marker has a reflector. White means you’re on the safe, marked trail. Blue means open water. Red is caution, the trail is rough. And green means a safe haven; it’s a place to wait during a dicey situation.
“We hope that people will pay attention to them, and be careful and don’t hit them, and keep them there for safety reasons for others,” Riley said.
Bethel Search and Rescue is asking everyone to stay on the trails and follow the white reflectors.
