Winter travel, access, and changing snow and ice conditions in Alaska’s Copper River basin

Significant changes in winter snow and ice conditions in Alaska’s Copper River Basin are disrupting traditional subsistence activities, such as trapping, hunting, and gathering firewood. Unlike past decades when river crossings were predictable and less hazardous, recent years have seen increased unpredictability, making access to the east side of the Copper River more challenging. Local residents and Elders report observing these changes since the 1970s or earlier, with notable decreases in snowpack—particularly early in the season—and increased shrub growth complicating travel along snowmachine trails. Socio-economic and technological factors have further interacted with climate change, altering winter land use patterns. This study, conducted through nine oral interviews with experienced locals, provides critical insights into the impacts of climate change on subsistence practices in this UNESCO-listed region.

Miller, O. (2023). Winter travel, access, and changing snow and ice conditions in Alaska’s Copper River basin (, Ed.). National Park Service. https://doi.org/10.36967/2298854