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In Western Alaska, winter’s coming – and quickly

By on October 27, 2012 in Photos, Stories
Frozen Snake River mouth, Nome

In winter, the ice on Western Alaska’s rivers – such as the mouth of the Snake River in Nome – becomes thick enough to support people and small vehicles.

The snow covers mountains, hills, and the tundra. On clear nights, we are blessed with colorful auroras as the night sparkles with stars and planets. The scenic majesty of bush Alaska is breathtaking during the day and at night. As the seasons change and the thermometer falls towards zero, we thank all who help us make a positive difference every minute of every day.

Soon, the Bering Sea will turn to a slushy soup of ice crystals. Then the shore ice will fasten itself to the beaches (and the rivers, as pictured above) and the light will fade, declining about six minutes each day. As the seasons change, KNOM is constant in broadcasting critical weather, news, information, inspiration, and entertainment. We owe so much to so many who have helped us for nearly five decades: from planning to engineering, construction, and operation. We are truly blessed!

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A missing girl found, and the threats of fall storms

By on October 7, 2012 in Stories

Recently, KNOM coordinated with the Nome Police Department to locate a missing 10-year-old girl who had disappeared on her way home from school. Just as we always do for all missing-person cases, we immediately began broadcasting announcements with the girl’s description and her last known whereabouts, in the hopes that someone in our listening range might happen to recognize her.

After an exhaustive search by authorities, parents, relatives, and friends, she was found, safe and sound, at 9:00 a.m. the next day. Thank you for helping us return this little girl to her family. Thank you to all who keep KNOM on the air!

Meanwhile, winds of up to 60 miles per hour and high seas are keeping KNOM’s news department busy with weather warnings and storm updates. With so many low-lying communities spread out across Western Alaska, these storms can cause tremendous erosion and property damage.

Health and welfare are top priorities, and KNOM is an important part of the public safety effort, especially in very remote parts of Alaska. Without power and isolated from other communities, families with radios can still stay connected and informed by listening to KNOM. For everyone who helps keep families safe, thank you!

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October 1992: Seas surge in fall storm

By on October 1, 2012 in History, Photos
Whirlpool and seawall

On occasion, Western Alaska is beset with exceptionally strong fall storms. In November 2011, an oversized storm brought standing water on the city side of Nome’s seawall that, as it drained, created a small whirlpool. Photo by Matthew Smith.

October 5, 1992

The worst storm in eighteen years strikes Nome: a low-pressure center swells a storm surge to eight feet above normal, with waves cresting ten feet above that. Covered with flotsam and jetsam, Nome’s main thoroughfare is under water, and where it runs along the beach, half of it is gone. Several roofs blow away. Thanks to KNOM’s emergency generators, the station keeps residents calm and informed. The mission’s facilities are undamaged.

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