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Posted: 2/13/2018 2:29:56 PM EDT
 So, I’m back above the Arctic Circle for another season of work. We live in a camp that moves across the frozen tundra. Satellite connection is touch and go right now, but I’ll try to post some more pictures. Perhaps some of my expierences and insight may help those looking for info on working, living, and whatnot in cold environments. For reference sake we are about 45 miles south of Nuiqsut in the Colville river. Actually closer to Umiat. I’ll post some general info and expierences shortly. |
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Posted: 2/13/2018 3:40:25 PM EDT
[#1]
I was part of the Doyon rig that punched all the exploratory holes in the ground west of the Coville river that brought online what is now Alpine.
22 years of that, and I don't miss it one bit. Hope you have fun. |
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Posted: 2/13/2018 7:40:37 PM EDT
[#2]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
I was part of the Doyon rig that punched all the exploratory holes in the ground west of the Coville river that brought online what is now Alpine. 22 years of that, and I don't miss it one bit. Hope you have fun. |
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Posted: 2/13/2018 10:25:01 PM EDT
[#3]
One of the more fun things was that polar bears used to get under the living quarters to get a respite from the winds.
You couldn't walk from the LQ to the drill site/mud room which was only 50 yds. away, vehicular travel only. |
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Posted: 2/14/2018 3:48:43 AM EDT
[#4]
Quoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/D1601DB2-847F-45CD-8FF5-0676512439FC-450888.jpg So, I’m back above the Arctic Circle for another season of work. We live in a camp that moves across the frozen tundra. Satellite connection is touch and go right now, but I’ll try to post some more pictures. Perhaps some of my expierences and insight may help those looking for info on working, living, and whatnot in cold environments. For reference sake we are about 45 miles south of Nuiqsut in the Colville river. Actually closer to Umiat. I’ll post some general info and expierences shortly. Damm that looks cold. Best of luck Op. Looking forward to any tips you can share with us. |
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Posted: 2/14/2018 4:04:05 AM EDT
[#5]
Love to hear some info!
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Posted: 2/15/2018 12:36:42 AM EDT
[#6]
If you see penguins, you took a wrong turn.
In for pics and more info 
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Posted: 2/15/2018 1:08:19 AM EDT
[#7]
How much would you guys pay to have a full time Dr. up there?
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Posted: 2/18/2018 12:33:48 PM EDT
[#8]
Looking forward to more pics...
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Posted: 2/18/2018 2:34:44 PM EDT
[#9]
I’m one of the safety specialists on a geophysical crew. We live out of a camp miles and days from any civilization. All supplies trucked over land or flown in to airstrips on frozen lakes. We are completely self sustained: diner cars, medical crew, mechanics for our fleet of vehicles, even a water maker. Being so far out from support there are some specific safety measures we have in place due to the nature of the environment. I don’t this to turn into a safe thread, but I am very limited on time so next post I will get into some of the operating obstacles and how we work (outdoors, day and night) in the Arctic. Thanks for looking |
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Posted: 2/18/2018 2:44:39 PM EDT
[#10]
I admire your fortitude and ambition,..
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Posted: 2/18/2018 10:24:20 PM EDT
[#11]
Very interesting thanks for the post!
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Posted: 2/18/2018 10:41:04 PM EDT
[#12]
Do you have a pic of what is pulling those trains?
Is it diesel powered? If so, how do they keep the fuel from jelling? What about the cars? How are they heated? Do they use skids? Satellite internet? |
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Posted: 2/19/2018 12:52:19 AM EDT
[#13]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Do you have a pic of what is pulling those trains? Is it diesel powered? If so, how do they keep the fuel from jelling? What about the cars? How are they heated? Do they use skids? Satellite internet? 
Trailers are mostly on skis, heavier ones are on tracks. All vehicles are tracked and run 24 hours a day We burn 6-8k gal of diesel a day We buy diesel from suppliers on the North Slope and it is a special arctic blend All communications go through a proprietary satellite system |
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Posted: 2/22/2018 11:55:33 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/298BF844-8228-43A0-A84B-418DAB883C20-456903.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/8FB183C2-2162-4EFA-9228-E6CA9035962C-456904.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/8DBE010B-3D89-4034-9281-E02D95E995FA-456902.jpg Trailers are mostly on skis, heavier ones are on tracks. All vehicles are tracked and run 24 hours a day We burn 6-8k gal of diesel a day We buy diesel from suppliers on the North Slope and it is a special arctic blend All communications go through a proprietary satellite system Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Do you have a pic of what is pulling those trains? Is it diesel powered? If so, how do they keep the fuel from jelling? What about the cars? How are they heated? Do they use skids? Satellite internet? https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/8FB183C2-2162-4EFA-9228-E6CA9035962C-456904.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/8DBE010B-3D89-4034-9281-E02D95E995FA-456902.jpg Trailers are mostly on skis, heavier ones are on tracks. All vehicles are tracked and run 24 hours a day We burn 6-8k gal of diesel a day We buy diesel from suppliers on the North Slope and it is a special arctic blend All communications go through a proprietary satellite system What exactly are y’all doing out there? |
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Posted: 2/24/2018 5:43:14 PM EDT
[#15]
Tag.
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Posted: 2/24/2018 5:58:33 PM EDT
[#16]
Standing by for more info
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Posted: 2/25/2018 7:17:50 AM EDT
[#17]
Tonight we are standing by because of weather; so I finally have a chance to update. (It is 0 degrees and steady winds in excess of 40mph creating whiteout conditions.)
It’s important to understand that at any given time the environment up here can be unpredictable at best and deadly at its worst. We drive on the frozen tundra and ice 24 hours a day. While our vehicles are specific to our task, there are certain steps necessary to maintain them. These are good points for anyone operating in inclement weather. Pre trip inspection: before you go anywhere ensure your mode of transportation is in proper working order. Check fluids, belts, tracks (or tires), and fuel. Never leave camp without a full tank of fuel. Before one leaves camp we open “journey management.” Fancy of telling someone where we are going and when to expect us. It’s important should something happen. Up here your vehicle is not just a way to get around, but in the event of reduced visibility or a storm, it is also your shelter. There are times when you could be stuck in the field for a few shifts before the blow lets up. Make sure you have adequate supplies in the event you are stuck. Your vehicle is your lifeline and life pod. Treat it as such. Every one of our vehicles carries a survival kit. To go on foot in the Arctic is a poor decision. How many times have we seen on the news where someone was stuck in the winter and went on foot. What was the end result? Navigation: while we have a proprietary navigation system to navigate with, we NEVER leave without an old fashioned map. Know what is on the map, where you are in relation to points of reference, and keep a trail of where you are. I realize most that would frequent this forum already know these things. It is never a bad idea to cover them again. When I have more time I can add more. Maybe about clothing and preventing cold injuries. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 7:47:40 AM EDT
[#18]
Don't take in any stray sled dogs. ;)
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Posted: 2/25/2018 8:57:31 AM EDT
[#19]
Tonight’s view from my window. Edited with updated pic referencing 45 mph sustained winds |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 9:21:40 AM EDT
[#20]
The variety of what ARFCOM does never fails to impress.
Thanks for this thread. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 10:03:04 AM EDT
[#21]
Fascinating thread. Thanks for doing it.
Stay safe. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 12:36:21 PM EDT
[#22]
Great thread/ good reading! Subscribed.
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Posted: 2/25/2018 12:38:33 PM EDT
[#23]
Op, this is very interesting to read about. I’m a little surprised y’all used the tractors above to pull your train. I figured it would be some custom built crawler.
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:03:48 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
How much would you guys pay to have a full time Dr. up there? They have a MD and PA within flight distance. We work closely with aviation services available to have 24 hour access in the event of an injury requiring medevac. These companies up here can fly/ land in just about anything. However, for a non life threatening injury it would be a rather uncomfortable Tucker ride out. This is one of the reasons personal accountability for ones personal safety is such a large component of our operation. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:07:15 PM EDT
[#25]
Cool shit
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:19:55 PM EDT
[#26]
Thanks for posting, interesting.
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Posted: 2/25/2018 1:29:03 PM EDT
[#27]
I worked on a marine crew for a geophysical company many years ago in the gulf on one of the "boom boats".
The company also had land based operation with massive "thumper trucks". Is this similar to your operations in the arctic ie: seismic survey? Also.. Any ham operators in the crew? I'd be interested in a radio chat if possible. Thanks for the updates and be safe. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 9:19:50 PM EDT
[#28]
My wife says I’m to paranoid about keeping the gas tanks full.
Good post OP, keep us updated and stay safe. |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 9:52:17 PM EDT
[#29]
Contents of the survival kits ? Do you guys eat a higher fat content diet up there ?
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Posted: 2/25/2018 10:35:49 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Contents of the survival kits ? Do you guys eat a higher fat content diet up there ? |
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Posted: 2/25/2018 11:23:53 PM EDT
[#31]
Very cool.
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Posted: 2/25/2018 11:33:14 PM EDT
[#32]
awesome thread OP
who's armed and what do they have?  that place gives new meaning to know your backstop, distance 
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Posted: 2/26/2018 2:11:44 AM EDT
[#33]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Contents of the survival kits ? Do you guys eat a higher fat content diet up there ? Candy Survival 1 Lb Tea bag, 1 per person/ cup x20 Box Matches, windproof/waterproof x2 Solid fuel tabs 3x (24 per) Coffee pot, small, enamel Survival candle, 36 hr x 2 Survival bag, cordura Sierra cup, 8oz, x5 Grabber body warmer 24 hour x20 Space blanket, silver, x5 Stove fold up, x1 Grabber hand warmer x20 Grabber toe warmer x20 Every shift vehicle also leaves with x2 cases of water 24-36 16.9oz per 
This one was damaged and came in to be replaced Dry bags work better then the orange ones. |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 3:08:17 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: 3600 Calorie Ration Bar (Datrex) x5 Candy Survival 1 Lb Tea bag, 1 per person/ cup x20 Box Matches, windproof/waterproof x2 Solid fuel tabs 3x (24 per) Coffee pot, small, enamel Survival candle, 36 hr x 2 Survival bag, cordura Sierra cup, 8oz, x5 Grabber body warmer 24 hour x20 Space blanket, silver, x5 Stove fold up, x1 Grabber hand warmer x20 Grabber toe warmer x20 Every shift vehicle also leaves with x2 cases of water 24-36 16.9oz per https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/C8FF6CD6-D057-4BD5-BA42-CEFE0AC8B45A-464831.jpg This one was damaged and came in to be replaced Dry bags work better then the orange ones. Any snowmobiles as a "life boat" or only full cab rigs? Dogs or other animals? What's your most used tool, and what type or brand? -Pocket knife? -Fixed blade? -Multi-tool? -Flashlight? -Headlamp? -Tape? -Rope or Paracord? What type of water bottle do you use most, (Nalgene or stainless) or is all just regular cases of plastic bottles? How many sets of cloths do you bring along and is there a laundry service? What is the most disposable item you go through? What wears out the quickest?
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Posted: 2/26/2018 3:32:32 AM EDT
[#35]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
The variety of what ARFCOM does never fails to impress. Thanks for this thread. |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 3:44:08 AM EDT
[#36]
cool (freezing!) thread
OST |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 4:02:19 AM EDT
[#37]
very cool
stay safe and OST |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 4:32:41 AM EDT
[#38]
Government funded? What's the study?
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Posted: 2/26/2018 6:19:03 AM EDT
[#39]
Do you wear a big ass Sombrero? If not you should.
On a serious note: Awesome thread. Thanks for posting it. |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 8:00:42 AM EDT
[#40]
Definitely one of the coolest threads running right now. Thanks a lot for the updates OP!
In 
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Posted: 2/26/2018 10:24:49 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/298BF844-8228-43A0-A84B-418DAB883C20-456903.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/8FB183C2-2162-4EFA-9228-E6CA9035962C-456904.jpg https://www.AR15.Com/media/mediaFiles/199387/8DBE010B-3D89-4034-9281-E02D95E995FA-456902.jpg Trailers are mostly on skis, heavier ones are on tracks. All vehicles are tracked and run 24 hours a day We burn 6-8k gal of diesel a day We buy diesel from suppliers on the North Slope and it is a special arctic blend All communications go through a proprietary satellite system |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 10:27:46 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Don't take in any stray sled dogs. ;) |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 11:06:26 PM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nobody gets the reference? Seriously? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Don't take in any stray sled dogs. ;) |
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Posted: 2/26/2018 11:12:47 PM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: The Thing? 
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Posted: 2/27/2018 12:54:18 PM EDT
[#45]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nobody gets the reference? Seriously? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Don't take in any stray sled dogs. ;) |
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Posted: 2/27/2018 4:27:53 PM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thank you for posting pictures, lists, answering questions, and keeping us updated. This is the best thread on AFRCOM right now! Of course that is JMHO but I am sure most will 2nd my motion in agreement. Thank you sir, standing by for your next post. * * * Great frickin' real-world info on surviving in extreme (low) temperatures. Thank you! |
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Posted: 2/27/2018 4:45:42 PM EDT
[#47]
Wow what a crazy job you have.
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Posted: 2/27/2018 5:05:33 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted:
Nobody gets the reference? Seriously? Quote HistoryQuoted:
Quoted:
Don't take in any stray sled dogs. ;) 
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Posted: 2/27/2018 5:08:10 PM EDT
[#49]
Any weaponry? What kind of animals are out there?
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Posted: 2/27/2018 7:29:12 PM EDT
[#50]
Very cool, thanks for sharing!
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