December 2023 Mat Su Great Lander

In This Issue

THE SNOWIEST DAY IN ALASKA (AND U.S.) HISTORY?

F ind the B enjamin WIN THE BENJAMIN Rules on page 15

December 2023

4

4 $4.00 OFF

“Gems From Around The World”

YOUR NEXT PURCHASE OF $40.00 OR MORE

4

the Earth Gems of& More

4 CANNOT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER OFFERS OR PROMOTIONS. EXP. 12-31-23.

Great Gift Items • Crystals • Amethyst Agates • Beads • Smokey Quartz Jewelry • Fossils & More

WINTER SALE NOVEMBER & DECEMBER

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• Local Estimates • Full Size Service Bays • No Job Too Big or Too Small • Renovations • Winterize/De-Winterize • Appliance Repair & Replacement • Water Damage

G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

• Toilet Upgrades and Repairs • Structural Repairs • Hitches & Wiring • Brake Controller Installation • Propane System • Insurance & Warranty Claims • Inside and Outside Detail

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SALES • SERVICE •PARTS • 376-8100 • campervalleyrv.com 3251 PALMER-WASILLA HIGHWAY • WASILLA December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

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December 2023 Index $100 Bill Contest & Monthly Winner..............15

Volume 19 Issue 12 GreatLander publications (a division of Anchorage Printing Inc.)

Phone: (907) 274-0611 Fax: (907) 272-2105 Toll Free: 1-888-746-7452

G reat L ander . com info@greatlander.com

View online at: matsugreatlander.com

Alaska Motorsports & Equipment........................6

All About Herbs...................2 Anchorage Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram................5

CAC Plastics.....................10 Camper Valley.................2, 3

Gorilla Fireworks.... Cover, 20

Manny’s Driver Education..................4 Mat Valley Meats...............13

Microcom..........................14

South Central Coal Sales...........................2

(907) 274-0611

Top Fuel Heating Oil............4

General Manager:

Yamaha ATVs, Motorcycles, Side x Sides................18, 19

Wasilla Internal Medicine.....6

gerrett@anchorageprinting.com

Leslie Love

leslie@greatlander.com

4

TOP FUEL

Celebrating Our 22nd Season Proudly Serving the Matanuska Valley!

Gems of the Earth...............2

Legacy Funeral Homes.....12

Advertising Director:

Vehicle available for testing Call 907-231-4978

Dairy Queen.......................17

Coloring Winners...............16

Iditarod Lotto.......................6

Gerrett Rhodes

DMV Approved Class D Road Testing

HEATING OIL Yep, still the same fast friendly service!

Coloring Page....................17

Great Alaska Pizza Company...................4

To advertise in this publication please call

MANNY’S Driver Education

Science....................... 15 Real Estate Guide.....7-14

G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

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TAX/DMV EXTRA. DOCUMENTATION FEES INCLUDED. SUBJECT TO PRIOR SALE.

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IDITAROD.COM/LOTTO Iditarod Lotto Race to Nome is a 50/50 lottery raffle to raise funds for Iditarod and the Museum of Alaska Transportation and Industry under Alaska's Charitable Gaming laws, with permits #131 and #107. Each week, participants may enter the drawing by purchasing ticket(s). Proceeds from the weekly lottery ticket sales are distributed each week as follows: 25% to the weekly pot, 25% to the progressive jackpot, 50% to the nonprofits/expenses.

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G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

December, 2023

Real Estate Guide

Offered by:

ELISE ELL BUCHHOLZ Assoc. Broker

GRI, CRS, Realtor® & Trainer

907-242-0442 Jack White Real Estate Mat-Su wwwLivingAlaska.com

Advertiser Index

Alaska Multiple Listing Service...........8 Biff’s Professional Home Inspections...........................11 CAC Plastics.......................................10 GarageExperts....................................11 Jack White Real Estate Reggie Belden....................................10

Jack White Real Estate (cont.)

Margaret Billinger...............................12 Elise Ell Buchholz.............................7, 8 Karen Ross...........................................9 Keller Williams Realty Cora Carleson......................................9

Kustom Kitchen & Design, Inc..........11 Legacy Funeral Homes......................12 Mat Valley Meats.................................13 Microcom............................................14 Spinell Homes.....................................11 Taylored Restoration..........................10

A Division of Anchorage Printing, Inc. • An Alaskan company owned and operated since 1953

Real Estate Guide

Anchorage • (907) 274-0611 • greatlander.com December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

7

On The Cover

ALASKAREALESTATE.COM The most accurate, complete and trusted source of Alaska Real Estate!

• Alaska’s source of real estate listings!

11118 S KNIK GOOSE BAY RD • WASILLA MLS# 23-13056 • $1,000,000 Imagine living in your own Alaskan dream red cedar log ranch style cabin home with modern amenities & craftsmanship. Unobstructed mountains & inlet views, watch whales & otters in the inlet, and fox, moose, eagles & more!

Huge 600 yr old logs, with carvings throughout, river rock fireplace, large front & back covered trex decking, Anaconda granite countertops, new marble epoxy floor, new fence.

ALASKA

• The most accurate!

• The most complete!

ALASKA MULTIPLE LISTING SERVICE, INC.

• The Real Estate Professional’s resource!

Elise Ell Buchholz Assoc. Broker

Download AlaskaRealEstate.com’s Mobile Real Estate App to get Access to all local listings from your smartphone or tablet.

GRI, CRS, REALTOR® & Trainer

907-242-0442

Jack White Real Estate Mat-Su wwwLivingAlaska.com

Buy, Sell with Elise Ell 907-242-0442

Elise Ell Buchholz Jack White Real Estate Mat Su 865 N. Seward Meridian Pkwy., #200 Wasilla, AK 99654

W

NE

HOUSE FIRE, SOLD AS-IS ING T S LI

$200,000 • MLS# 23-13677

This home has had a fire inside and is sold as-is, where-is, Insurance company pulled out insulation in the ceiling and bones are still good, subfloor seems, usable, beautiful fence lot. Come and look, city water and Sewer. Great Neighborhood.

SHOP AND GARAGE SPACE

$1,400,000 • MLS# 23-9245

18 ft. ceilings, 3 large overhead doors (2-12 ft., 1-14 ft.) in-floor heat, office area, 1-1 bedroom apartment, w/ living room, kitchen, bath, dining. Great location, well kept building, large paved parking area, good floor plan for a variety of business options. Must see to appreciate.

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G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

GREAT INVESTMENT PROPERTY

$497,000 • MLS# 23-13418

This great investment property is being updated and ready for you to purchase. Both sides have new paint, carpet and counter tops are being installed now. Each unit has 3 bedrooms, 1&1/2 baths and 2 car garage. Lots of parking and room to build another duplex. Update will be completed by closing.

CHARMING 5 BEDROOM

$520,000 • MLS# 23-8639

5 bedroom, 4 bath home, with oversized 2 car garage & many upgrades. Covered front deck, large family room, living room and bonus room, large back deck, with fire pit.

SPOIL YOURSELF!

$795,000 • MLS# 23-13059

Extra large corner lot, owner added a shop & landscaped area to grow beautiful flowers & planted fruit trees to huge lawn. Privacy fence & dog run also. 5 beds plus an office & family room, beautiful kitchen with double-wide fridge, Fisher & Paykel range, granite counters. Main bedroom suite has towel warmer & steamer shower in bath. Forced air & in-floor heat utilizing gas.

LAKE VIEW

$399,999 • MLS# 23-6401

Cool two story home with basement. Great for entertaining, 3 bedroom, 2.5 bath, tons of storage. Lovely lot on a hill that overlooks Big Lake. Large pantry in kitchen.

Ask Cora Hey Cora, How do I get my home sold in these “dark days” of winter?

Signed Redie to Move Dear Redie; Contrary to what you may have been told, buyers are not scarce in the winter. They are definitely out there. Life changes come during all seasons, and people need a place to live no matter what time of year it is. I’ve put together some tips for preparing your lovely home to stand out during the winter doldrums! Since we are just engaging in the Christmas Season, I’m going to give you 12 things that will help your house “reach out and grab” a buyer! It’s kind of like the 12 days of Christmas... the 12 Things I Can Do to Sell My House! (No, there is no song for this!)

1) Keep your home well lit. Keep outside lights on and lamps on inside. If the home looks dark and cold, it will “feel” dark and cold, and that’s just not how you want your cozy home to be presented. Invest in some timers for your lamps and have them automatically come on at 3 pm. This way, if you are at work and someone wants to see the house – it will be bright and ready for them.

2) Make sure the walk way and driveways are shoveled. I understand that sometimes, the snow can be relentless, and you don’t have time to shovel before you have a showing, but keep it groomed as much as possible. Try not to pile it all up by the door, think of it as “fluffy-white landscaping”!

3) I know, I know. The lockbox on the front door is irritating and cumbersome. A lot of selling agents put it on the gas meter on the side of the house, however, for the buyer’s agent who is showing the property in the wintertime, having to trudge through snow in the dark side yard looking for that silly box can be frustrating! So, until spring at least, allow the agent to put the box on or near the front door.

Maybe try a chain around the exterior handrail? It’s soooo much nicer than snow in the shoes!

4) If your home was built before 2002 – over twenty years ago - many buyers will be (legitimately) concerned about the condition of the roof. Depending on the roofing material, a 20-year roof is not uncommon. Some roofs are 25, some 30 and some up to 45 years. This common homebuyer concern becomes a huge, looming unknown in wintertime because that roof isn’t visible – it’s covered that stuff we love – snow! It’s your job as a winter home seller to do what you can to ease this concern for potential buyers by providing as much information as possible. If you have replaced your roof, made repairs, received a roof inspection or even just a contractor’s bid for any of these things, make

Brought to you by

Experience Matters! sure you have that information handy. Your agent may even want to make copies and put them online with your listing or put them in an information packet for potential buyers.

5) Summer photos. Oh yes – Summer photos make a big difference! We all have them, just wander back in the camera roll on your phone and see what you can find. Email these to your Realtor, it’s important for people to see what’s under the snow.

6) I know that we Alaskans use our garages and driveways for all kinds of things, but keeping the yard clear and the driveway space free of random vehicles during the showing phase is really helpful! Your home looks so nice when there are no vehicles parked all “Willy-Nilly” in the yard or driveway. Remember, too, if there is an old vehicle out there that you need to get rid of – just do it!

7) Oh my! Don’t tell me you still have left over baskets hanging! Dead flowers and brown reeds or weeds draped over your front porch... now that’s inviting. Nothing says “welcome home” like dead flowers! (You know sarcasm when you hear it, right?) Take those dead baskets down and put them behind the garage or in your garden shed. If that sounds like too much work, you can give them a winter makeover. Winter greenery, like spruce boughs. I have seen this combined with the “cinnamon-y, smelly” pinecones.

Trim the dead flowers out but leave the basket hanging with it’s new, seasonally-appropriate look – it smells wonderful as you approach the front door.

8) Speaking of smells... come closer, my lovelies. We must have a heart-to-heart chat. Listen carefully. In the cold and dark of Alaska winters, we keep our homes pretty well buttoned-up. This helps keep us cozy, but it also means that no air is flowing through on a regular basis unless you have a nice HRV system. As a result, smells – good or bad - can get trapped and lie in wait for an unsuspecting potential buyer to come a-knocking. Prevent a bad first impression by doing what you can to keep at least some air flowing through. Use your bath fans, use your kitchen fan, and YES,

use your ceiling fan! These guys move the air so that smells don’t stagnate. I know it’s cold - when my grandkids come in from ice skating, I’m always barking “shut the door!” so I understand completely that having that cold blush of fresh air can be irritating. But it’s a necessary thing to blow out the pancake smells, the wet dog smells and the overpowering Glade Plug In smells! Trust me on this.

9) Well what do you know, that brings us to another issue that doesn’t get discussed much but happens every year at this time... moisture on the windows! Because people often don’t know where this is coming from, it can make one house more appealing to a buyer over another when one home has it and another does not. It’s going to happen.

And you - yes YOU - are to blame because you breathe, you boil water, you take baths, you LIVE in your house.

So again, use your bath fan, use your range hood, use your ceiling fan and get that air moving. Open your blinds and/ or your window coverings every day so air can circulate behind it. Wipe it off and make sure to keep the sill free of moisture so they don’t get ruined.

10) Keep curtains and blinds open and only close them at night. This will keep your home filled with the teeny tiny bit of light we get at this time of year! Hey, at least it’s something! Because we live in this beautiful valley, many of us have views that appear only in winter, another advantage to keeping those drapes and shades up and open This brings me to another point; replace the weather stripping. It’s easy and fun! (not really fun, I just wanted to see if you were still with me) 11) Now, Christmas is a lovely time of year, but refrain from “over decorating”. Keep to tasteful-simple! You don’t want to make it look like Santa vomited in your living room. It should not look “crowded”. Keep it simple.

12) Our garages. Oh, how we abuse our poor garages! We use them for everything! I have even had Christmas Parties in my garage! But a tidy garage makes your home look like there is plenty of room and great storage. You may want to rent a storage unit and just tuck away some things you know you won’t be using until summer. Clear it out as much as possible so the car will fit. (...or the snowmachine, or the fourwheeler, or the side by side, or the dog sled... it goes on and on for us!) Just a few bucks a month invested in a storage unit can really make a difference in that beloved space!

Well, now you have a little work to do – but you can fit it in between the skiing and the ice skating and snowboarding and the snowball fights and all the other wonderful winter activities.

Call Cora Today!

Keller Williams Realty Alaska Group Of Wasilla 621 S Knik-Goose Bay Rd Wasilla, AK 99654

www.clcandassoc.com

907.982.5700

Karen Ross, your local Alaskan Realtor®, has lived in Alaska for over 35 years. She has a background as a real estate investor, property manager, & real property appraiser.

For a fantastic selling or buying experience, put the decades of experience and unparalleled dedication of Karen & her team to work for you!

“Committed to Excellence!”

Call or Text 907.694.2284 karensellsak@gmail.com

Realtor® & Assistant December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

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• UHMW Runners - Now available in coils – ¼”

& ½” up to 250 feet! Sold by the foot.

• Belly Pan & Brush Bow - UHMW Custom Cut Sizes - also rod, tube & angle.

• Snowmobile Plastics - UHMW, windshield plastic, cowling repair, welding • Sled Plastics & Sleds - UHMW for building, repairing or runners - custom sleds

• Freight Sleds Available • G-flex Epoxy

Merry Christmas from all of us at cac!

We truly appreciate your business!

PLASTICS, LLC. 75 acres at mile 60 of the Parks Hwy. Well, septic and electric on location.

Creek running through. Detached garage of no value. Legal driveway easement to the property. This can be commercial property. $595,000 • MLS# 23-6495

Lovely new subdivision in Wasilla Far enough out of the way that I couldn't hear any disturbing traffic noise. Very peaceful and quiet. Well treed and level. Perfect for building. $35,000 • MLS# 22-11940

Happy Holidays!

Dogsledding Snowmobiling Sledding Freight Hauling

907-376-7111 Over Twenty Years of Serving You

CAC Plastics, LLC. 2600 Broadview Ave. Wasilla, AK 99654

www.cacalaska.com

“Alaska’s Fiberglass & Plastic Source”

HAPPY HOLIDAYS

PROPERTY TO SELL?

from all of us at

Call me, I answer my phone.

A Professional Realtor with Proven Results!

Reggie Belden Jack White

Real Estate since 1953

Jack White Real Estate

865 Seward Meridian Pkwy. Wasilla, AK 99654

Cell: (907) 232-7588

reginabelden.jackwhite.com

FIRE & WATER DAMAGE SERVICES Did you know Taylored Restoration offers 24/7 fire damage and water damage services?

• Smoke odor removal • Emergency dry-down to prevent mold • Sewage removal & clean-up • We clean, deodorize and repack contents Fires, burst pipes, black mold, overflowing toilets, slow leaks, we handle it all! Taylored Restoration has trained professionals available 24/7 to help you at any time of the day or night.

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www.TayloredRestoration.com 10

G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

CABINETS for Every Room In Your Home!

Great Sale on Medallion Cabinets

FREE sink cabinet with 10 cabinet minimum order (must present ad)

Call Us Today for a FREE MEASURE

Kustom Kitchen & Design, Inc. • 357-5880

5817 E. Updraft Rd. Palmer, AK • www.kustomkitchendesigninc.com

s f f i B

PROFESSIONAL HOME INSPECTIONS

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CERTIFIED INSPECTOR

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BUILT BY OUR FAMILY FOR YOUR FAMILY Giving families the keys to their new home since 1987. We look forward to building your family the perfect place for life’s moments.

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Call a New Construction Specialist Stephanie Gamble (907) 354-0277 Keller Williams Alaska Group

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December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

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Valley 907-373-3840 • www.legacyalaska.com VALDEZ

MLS # 23-857 • $1,600,000

MLS # 23-8569 • $159,000

Own your own private estate! Property features beautiful views, lots of wildlife, your own lake, over-sized garage, spa building complete with pool, jacuzzi, and steam room.

Close to great fishing and hunting. Gourmet kitchen, rock fireplace, and covered decks. Garage apartment has bunk room, kitchen, and bath too for weekend guest!

Nice ranch style home with that off-grid feel. There is another cabin that needs work, could use as Airbnb when fixed up. Lots of possibilities. No property taxes.

WASILLA

WASILLA

MLS # 23-12632 • $35,000

MLS # 23-3222 • $89,000

Nice sloping treed lot with gas in street and overhead electric. Has partial lake views of Marion Lake with a public access down the road.

Seller is a licensed real estate agent in Alaska.

12

SLANA

G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

Nice bluff lot with 360° mountain views!

Margaret Billinger Realtor, CRS, ABR, GRI, E-Pro (907) 841-2188 maggiebillinger@ yahoo.com

Jack White

Real Estate since 1953

(907) 357-9215 Specialty Meats & Meat Package Deals!

Available for shipout to the bush!

– ORDER ONLINE! –

6175 EAST PALMER-WASILLA HWY.

WWW.MVMEAT.COM MVMEAT@MTAONLINE.NET

(907) 357-9215 Jumbo Freezer Filler 40 lb. Lean Ground Beef 24 lb. Chuck Roast 6 lb. London Broil 6 lb. Top Sirloin Steak 6 lb. New York Steak 3 lb. Santa Anita Tri-tip 3 lb. Maui Wowie Ribs 10 lb. Pork Chops 7 lb. Pork Spareribs 20 lb. Whole Fryers 20 lb. Split Chicken Breasts 10 lb. Ham 6 lb. Bacon 6 lb. Pork Breakfast Sausage 6 lb. Italian Sausage

Deluxe Assortment Pack 20 lb. Lean Ground Beef 10 lb. Rib Steak 10 lb. Chuck Roast 10 lb. Round Steak 5 lb. Stew Meat 5 lb. Pork Sausage 5 lb. Bacon 10 lb. Pork Chops 10 lb. Pork Steak 20 lb. Whole Fryers 10 lb. Chicken Thighs 5 lb. Chicken Breasts 10 lb. Ham

Steak Pack

Variety Pack

4 lbs T Bone Steak 4 lbs New York Steak 4 lbs Ribeye Steak 4 lbs Top Sirloin Steak 4 lbs London Broil

Approx. 20 lb. $379

Approx. 80 lb.

Approx. 130 lb. $899

Approx. 173 lb. $1159 Family Pack 2 lb. Bacon 2 lb. Breakfast Sausage 10 lb. Lean Ground Beef 5 lb. Whole Chicken 6 lb. Chuck Roast 3 lb. Sirloin Roast 2 lb. Sirloin Steak 2 lb. Round Steak 5 lb. Pork Chops 3 lb. Pork Spareribs 3 lb. Pork Roast 2 lb. Italian Sausage

Approx. 45 lb.

$319

Beef Pack 15 lb. Lean Ground Beef 5 lb. London Broil 4 lb. T-Bone Steak 4 lb. Rib Steak 6 lb. Chuck Roast 3 lb. Sirloin Tip Roast 4 lb. Short Ribs 5 lb. Round Roast 5 lb. Stew meat

Approx. 51 lb.

$549

For additional pricing on cases, local beef and hogs, or other packages visit www.mvmeat.com Come in or visit us online to check out our wide variety of specialty meats, cuts and full service butcher counter. We also offer select cuts, try it packs, and sides processed to your specifications of our Alaska Grown Beef and Pork.

Poultry Pack

Approx. 53 lb.

$249

5 lb. Bacon 5 lb. Breakfast Sausage 8 lb. Pork Chops 8 lb. Pork Roast 4 lb. Pork Steak 8 lb. Pork Spareribs 4 lb. Country Style Ribs 5 lb. Ham 3 lb. Smoked Ham Hocks

Approx. 50 lb.

$679

Gourmet Pack 3 lb. Shoulder Bacon 2 lb. Breakfast Sausage 8 lb. 93% Ground Beef 2 lb. Shrimp 5 lb. Beef Ribeye Steak 3 lb. Beef New York Steak 2 lb. Filet Mignon 3 lb. Pork Chops 7 lb. Boneless Chicken Breast 5 lb. Italian Sausage

Approx. 40 lb.

$439

Budget Pack 5 lb. Chuck Roast 5 lb. Ground Beef 5 lb. Round Steak 5 lb. Pork Chops 5 lb. Pork Country Style Ribs 2 lb. Pork Sausage 3 lb. Bacon 5 lb. Chicken Breast 5 lb. Chicken Thighs 5 lb. Chicken Drumsticks

Pork Pack

10 lb. Whole Fryer 8 lb. Game Hens 5 lb. Bnls Skinless Chicken Breast 5 lb. Chicken Thighs 5 lb. Chicken Drums 5 lb. Chicken Wings 15 lb. Whole Turkey

16 lb. 93% Ground Beef 4 lb. Rib Eye Steak 4 lb. T-Bone Steak 12 lb. Round Roast 4 lb. Short Ribs 4 lb. Boneless Pork Chops 6 lb. Pork Roast 5 lb. Ham Streak 10 lb. Whole Chicken 10 lb. Chicken Drumsticks 5 lb. Assorted Cold Cuts

$299

Approx. 45 lb.

$289

All Steaks and Roasts Vacuumed Packed. Prices are Subject to Change Without Notice. Case Pricing and Case Weights Are Approximate.

December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

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G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

Win $100

Somewhere, hidden in this publication is a picture of a $100 bill.

Congratulations to our November $100 winner!

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All you need to do is find the picture of the $100 Dollar Bill and tell us the ad and page number you found it on, along with your name, address and phone number.

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of Wasilla

We will then have a random drawing from your submissions on December 27, 2023 to pick ONE WINNER

Mail or bring all submissions to: GreatLander Publications 3110 Spenard Road Anchorage, AK 99503

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or email to: contest@greatlander.com The winner will be announced in the January, 2024 Mat-Su GreatLander!

ONE ENTRY PER PERSON. One winner per month. Must be 18 years or older to play. Submissions must be received by GreatLander Publications no later than December 26, 2023 to be eligible to win. Employees of Anchorage Printing, Inc. are not eligible to play.

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The snowiest day in Alaska (and U.S.) history?

Ned Rozell Last week, as most of Alaska joined the cryosphere and became snow-covered, one area again stood out as one of the snowiest places on the planet.

Twenty-one highway miles northeast of Thompson Pass, Alaska Department of Transportation workers noted that snow started falling just after midnight on Nov. 8, 2023.

By 7 a.m., they measured two feet of new snow at Mile 46, the distance from the coastal town of Valdez.

At 4:45 p.m., 65 inches was on the ground. By 7:30, 72 inches of new snow had fallen in one storm.

That’s six feet. In less than one day!

It was darn close to a new Alaska (and United States) record.

That six feet of fluff fell on a major Alaska highway — No. 4, the Richardson. The paved road snakes 366 miles from Valdez to Fairbanks, requiring drivers to roll through passes of both the Chugach and Alaska ranges.

Snow falls everywhere along that road and most others in Alaska, but there are a few sweet spots where snow can pile up in staggering numbers. Including one that seems to hold America’s record for most snowfall in a 24-hour period.

That mountainous area is right where the six feet of snow fell a little over a week ago. About a mile from there, on Feb. 7, 1963, six feet, six inches of snow (78 inches) fell in a single day.

That is the snowfall total that Ralph Lane reported in 1963. Lane was the foreman at a highway camp 15 miles north of the extreme-snow area. He was also the weather observer for the National Weather Ser-

Brettschneider offered a possible scenario for that record day: The strong, moist flow of the storm barreled in from the coastal south through the 14-mile WOLVERINE RMAX2 R-SPEC RMAX2 long Tiekel River valley. There,WOLVERINE mountains lifted it 1,000 feet to collide with a cold air mass created by the Copper River Valley to the north. ©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, rights reserved. Product specifications subject to change without notice.

After U.S.A. he Allweighed the andconsiderable evidence heProf your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Know the conditions. Observe al had unearthed about the six-foot-six-inch snowfall, Brettschneider concluded ATVs that the&event was within Yamaha Motorcycles, Snowmach the realm of& possibility.

MaybeNorthern Lane’s measurement Kodiak Powersports Marine Power Sports has Alaska been 99615 reinforced by last week’s snowfall the Kodiak, Fairbanks, Alaska in 99701 Phone: Phone: 907-452-2762 same907-486-0333 spot, less than a shovel www.NorthernPowersports.com blade short of the 1963 www.kodiakpowersports.biz event.

That is what Brettschneider is hoping as he will t L a n dtry e r to M aclear t - S u up November 2023 18 G r e asoon some confusion regarding the 1963 snowfall.

“A State Climate Extremes Committee deterPhoto by Ned Rozell mined that it is the Alaska state record,” BrettschneiThompson Pass northeast of Valdez, shown here in April 2017, is one of the snowiest places on the planet. der said. “(But) when a National Climate Extremes Committee evaluated it for the national record, they port, Brettschneider wrote. vice there. rejected (Lane’s measurement) as being improbable.”

Brettschneider also found it curious that in a Climatologist Brian Brettschneider of Anchorage Using the six-foot snowfall of Nov. 8, 2023 to arwondered if that astonishing 6’6” snowfall in one day column provided for comments next to the 78 that gue that the 1963 reading is feasible, Brettschneider could really have happened. About a decade ago, he Lane had penned in, he wrote nothing about such a plans to resubmit the 1963 Richardson Highway made a pilgrimage to the site of the reported 1963 remarkable day. snowfall to the climate extremes committee.

But Brettschneider sleuthed more details about measurement, which was a mile north of the presentThough he expects it to take a while, BrettschneiLane and that snowy day in winter 1963. He inter- der may succeed in bringing the national record back day highway maintenance station.

In his blog, Brettschneider reported some red flags viewed a meteorologist who had once talked to Lane to Alaska, with Lane’s 78 inches besting the currently involving the 1963 record. On that same February about that day and had taken notes. (Lane had retired listed 75.8-inch snowfall recorded in April 1921 in day, for example, an observer at nearby Thompson to Baja, Mexico, and has long passed away).

Silver Lake, Colorado.

Lane told the man he remembered that incredible This column is provided as a public service by the Pass recorded only 2.2 inches of snow.

“Since Thompson Pass averages over 500 inches snow day as if it was yesterday. The flakes were big as Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska Fairper year and Mile 47 Camp averages 150-200 inches silver dollars, he said. An avalanche he was able to es- banks, in cooperation with the UAF research comwe are tempted to immediately disregard” Lane’s re- cape blew over him and his snowplow. munity. Ned Rozell is a science writer at the institute.

For Pricing Options Co

December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

15

Coloring Page

WINNERS

Winners receive a

from Dairy Queen!

November 2023

Ages 4-6

Ages 7-9

Stephaie Ivanov Age 4

Lilly F. DeJarlais Age 9

Ages 10-12

Winners can pick up their cake at either Palmer or Wasilla Dairy Queen.

Everett Martin Age 12 16

G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

Thank you to everyone who entered! Be sure to color your entry for December!

Mail in your coloring entry for a chance to win one of our DQ-licious 8” Round Cakes!

777 E Parks Hwy., Wasilla | 907-373-0098 • 401 W Evergreen Ave., Palmer | 907-746-1999

Kids! Send in your coloring contest entry for a chance to win an 8” cake from Dairy Queen!

One winner from each age group 4-6, 7-9 and 10-12 will be announced in the January 2024 Greatlander.

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Parents - Please help your child legibly write their name. Use crayons, pencils or markers. Please NO GLITTER.

Submissions must be received by December 26th, 2023. Mail entries to: GreatLander, 3110 Spenard Road, Anchorage, AK 99503-3699 December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

17

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WOLVERINE RMAX4 LE

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KODIAK 700 EPS

PW50

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WOLVERINE RMAX2 LE

WOLVERINE RMAX2 XT-R

For Pricing Options Contact Your Participating Dealer.

©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved. Product and specifications subject to change without notice. Professional rider on closed course under controlled conditions. Always wear an approved helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Ride responsibly and always ride within your capabilities, allowing time and distance for maneuvering, and respect others around you. Know the conditions. Observe all state and local laws. Don’t drink and ride.

Yamaha Motorcycles, ATVs & Snowmachines Available At These Participating Yamaha Dealers: Kodiak Powersports & Marine Kodiak, Alaska 99615 Phone: 907-486-0333 www.kodiakpowersports.biz

18

Northern Power Sports

Fairbanks, Alaska 99701 Phone: 907-452-2762 www.NorthernPowersports.com

G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u December 2023

Wasilla Performance Yamaha Wasilla, AK 99657 Phone: 907-373-7668 www.AnchorageYamaha.com

River & Sea Marine

Soldotna, Alaska 99669 Phone: 800-770-7700 www.riverandseamarine.com

Sales Mgr: bob.walker@acsalaska.net

For Pricing Options Contact Your Participating Dealer.

Professional drivers depicted on closed areas. Side-by-Side models shown are recommended for use only by operators 16 years and older with a valid driver’s license. Always wear your seat belt, helmet, eye protection and protective clothing. Yamaha recommends that all Side-by-Side riders take an approved training course. For Side-by-Side safety and training information, see your dealer or call the ROHVA at 1-866-267-2751. Read the Owner’s Manual and the product warning labels before operation. Models shown with optional accessories. Vehicle specifications subject to change. ©2023 Yamaha Motor Corporation, U.S.A. All rights reserved.

Yamaha Motorcycles, ATVs & Snowmachines Available At These Participating Yamaha Dealers: Lower Peninsula Power Sports Homer, Alaska 99603 Phone 907-235-6341 www.lppowersports.com

Alaska Fun Center

Fairbanks, Alaska 99709 Phone 800-478-3455 www.alaskafuncenter.com

Alaska House of Yamaha Big Lake, Alaska 99652 Phone: 907-892-1000 www.houseofyamaha.com

Anchorage Yamaha

Anchorage, Alaska 99517 Phone: 907-243-8343 www.AnchorageYamaha.com

December 2023 G r e a t L a n d e r M a t - S u

19

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