Chena River Nov 29th 2009

[user6244]

I took a ride up the river a few days ago from Chena Lakes for 3 or 4 miles. The river seems safe but being very new to riding is there things I should be weary of?

I also went from the hamilton acres area and headed towards chena lakes. after going a bit there was a rough ride through an ice jam then afterwards started noticing places where there was open water and drove across a few. I was alone (I know wrong already) and started getting a bit nervous and so headed back home.

Is this typical of the river trails? Will there always be a chance of crossing thin or partially open water?

Just wondering what too expect. Is this typical of trails that follow along the river?

I also noticed and it seemed to make sense that most of the other riders who had already been here went from one side of the river to the other trying to stay on the inside of curves made by the river. Is this done purposely on the chance should you hit open water it may not be as deep?

Would like some tips and do's and do not suggestion when using the river trails.

thanks in advance for input here.

[user6244]

[Summit800]

There are ALWAYS open holes on the Chena, and you should expect the same on the Tanana. As far as traveling the river BEFORE there is a defined trail, your best and safest bet is to run from sandbar to sandbar with as few turns as possible, meaning that you have less of a chance to break through if in a straight line, and if you do feel the sled begin to drop....PIN IT. With the proper track, most snowmachines will actually pick up a lot of speed on the water. I personally think its too early to run the Chena.

[user6244]

Yeah, just learned about the hit the throttle thing through a few open spots covered in the new snow fall , mostly instinct and hearing stories told me too gun it and look back later.

I got that funny feeling in my gut on seeing to many open spots, traveling alone, and guess used that as a sign that it was time too wait a bit longer so turned around.

I could also (because I am new) just be overly cautious too I suppose..but maybe i am not alone

[Summit800]

And to add to the last post, The outside of the river bend is what is refered to as the "cut bank". thats where the water is typically the deepest. That is advantagous in a river boat, but on a snowmachine, not so much. That is why you didnt see many tracks on the cut bank side. Listen to your gut and ride safe!

[Alaskan Polar Bear]

when leaving hamilton acres you will find that there are a few spots in the Ft wainwright area that are open due to a hot spot of water, (dont know, why dont care) if you stay to the northside of the river is very shallow and can be open year round. behind Riverview liquor @ 2-3 mile badger in another open spot that ussally has a narrow bridge accross it, both end WILL HAVE one sharp bump ,,,, go slower... the quest flags it every year,,,,, from there on its ussally safe and fine , again staying to the insides and running sand bar to sand bar..... when you get to the chena lakes cut off, GO UP the bank , if you stay on the river its a roll of the dice, more trouble up there than you want.
Now IT"s ussally safe AFTER middle of DECEMBER and closer to Xmas. NOT even close to ride on yet,.
after a week or two of 25 -35 below yeah it;ll be great,
I run it daily and some times more that once a day for the last 10 years but still just my 2cents worth

[Alaskan Polar Bear]

I think that I misread your post about ridding UP the river from Chena lakes ?
if you went UP river your a lucky man , I will not go past the chena lakes turn off heading UP river , its always crap and never safe up there, from chena lakes head down river toward town, safe and more fun , longer straight-aways

[user6244]

Yeah I meant down river towards town from Chena and thanks for the input about the other locations too look out for.

[user6244]

Oh here is a image coming from Chena Lakes..