The summer of 1998 was one of the best summers I've seen in Southcentral Alaska for gold dredging. The spring thaw was exceptionally early, and the fall freeze very late. Gold dredging in Southcentral Alaska is best done early and late. The water is very low in the spring and fall, but high most of the summer as the snow in the high country melts. Spring, when the creeks open, but the higher elevations are still frozen, is my favorite time. The daylight is long, and the temperatures are warming. The only problem can be getting equipment in when the snow is still deep on the ground. Fall, when the higher elevations freeze up, but the water is still flowing, is also very good, and I have usually done better this time of year. The daylight is getting shorter, and the temperatures are plummeting, but the timeframe is usually longer than in the spring. It is just plain colder this time of year, however.

Snow at Crow Creek Mine - April 24, 1999