More cameras to watch for inlet ice

The Cook Inlet Regional Citizens Advisory Council is adding more cameras to monitor ice in the inlet.

In its 2012 annual report, the organization says its Ice Forecasting Network of cameras and overflights delivers vital information to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration ice forecaster to aid Cook Inlet mariners.

“With a boost from our Kenai delegation and the 2012 Alaska Legislature, Cook Inlet RCAC secured capital funding for two additional cameras to cover more area from Hilcorp Alaska’s Granite Point and Cook Inlet Energy’s Osprey offshore platforms,” the annual report says. “These join the six active cameras already in place at the XTO A platform, OSK (Offshore Systems Kenai) dock, ASRC Energy Services, Port of Anchorage, and Port MacKenzie.”

Winter ice is a serious hazard to oil tankers and other vessels in Cook Inlet. Drifting ice floes have been known to damage vessels, or cause them to break away from their moorings. The U.S. Coast Guard imposes special rules for vessel operators during periods of extreme ice.

The Cook Inlet RCAC is a Kenai-based, congressionally mandated organization formed after the 1989 Exxon Valdez oil spill in Prince William Sound. The council says its mission is promoting safe marine transportation and oil facility operations in Cook Inlet.

—Wesley Loy