Aug 07, 2000Sea Ice
In our last briefing, the captain asked for an update on the sea ice near Barrow. Ice is a constant threat to any ship transiting through the Arctic. The ship was reinforced for ice operations after assuming operations by the Coast Guard. However, if we were beset, the ship could sustain considerable damage.
We need to know the current extent of the ice edge in the Barrow area and the approaches to it. The median ice concentration for August shows that Barrow should be clear, but close to the ice edge. In a year with above average ice, we might have trouble reaching Barrow this early.
Fortunately the National Ice Center produces some very useful ice analysis and forecast products. The current analysis clearly shows the approaches have less than 10% ice; however, farther east there is still considerable ice.
The ship will keep its operations in waters where the forecast charts call for less than 3 tenths ice. Coverage of more than 3 tenths will restrict navigation and reduce speed and the response time required to stand clear of the pack ice