The Foreboding Ice Runway of Little Diomede Island – Isolated, Remote, and Potentially Treacherous

The Northwest Extremity of North America

AK – Alaska is as unique a place as any on earth. It is a place with few rivals and where those who call it home would never leave under just about any circumstances. This intriguing and rugged state is the largest and least populated in the country. Alaska joined the union on January 3, 1959, becoming the 49th state. Situated in the northwest extremity of North America, Alaska boasts dramatically stunning landscapes, including jagged mountains, colorful glaciers, and vast wilderness.

Diverse Natural Resources

Its rich indigenous cultures, like the Inuit and Athabaskan, contribute to its proud heritage. The state’s economy mostly centers around abundant, diverse natural resources, particularly oil, fishing, and tourism. The acquisition of Alaska from Russia in 1867, known as the Alaska Purchase, set the region on a steady course for its eventual statehood.

Geographically Challenging Uniqueness

One particularly remarkable part of Alaska, the Aleutian Chain, an archipelago stretching 1,200 miles from Alaska’s mainland towards Russia’s Kamchatka Peninsula, validates Alaska’s inherently rugged beauty, remoteness, and geographically challenging uniqueness. This impressive volcanic arc of islands, formed by a formidable Pacific Ring of Fire, is home to approximately 300 volcanic peaks, some still showing activity today, creating an almost out-of-this-world landscape of mist-shrouded mountains and rocky alien-like coastlines.

These Islands Hold Strategic Importance

These remote islands, which indigenous Aleut people inhabited for thousands of years, showcase a resilient coexistence of humans and nature. Despite their isolation, these dotted land masses have strategic importance, serving as a crossroads between the Pacific and the Bering Sea. The region’s marine life thrives in the frigid, nutrient-rich waters, drawing diverse fish species, whales, and seafowl.

Pristine and Unspoiled

The Aleutians are well-known for extreme and unpredictable weather, with persistent fog, powerful gale-force winds, and heavy precipitation characterizing its classic maritime climate. This remote and harsh environment poses challenges for people and wildlife, yet it also contributes to the island chain’s pristine and unspoiled allure. Despite the challenges, the Aleutians are a living example of the undeniable forces of nature, where untamed natural beauty meets the resilience of the environment and its inhabitants.

Separates The United States and Russia

Far and away from the Aleutians and perhaps even more remote, if you could imagine, a more remote location is Little Diomede Island. Little Diomede Island, or “Yesterday Isle,” is tucked away in the Bering Strait, separating the United States and Russia. As part of the state of Alaska, it is just 2.4 miles from neighboring Big Diomede Island, Russian territory.

Iñupiaq People

These islands are a natural strategic geographical point where a narrow water strait separates the North American and Asian continents. The island is part of the Iñupiaq people’s ancestral lands, holding crucial cultural significance. Despite its relatively small stature, Little Diomede’s strategic location and proximity to Russia contribute to its historical and geopolitical importance concerning U.S.-Russian relations.

Challenging Arctic Climate

A unique ice runway is located on Little Diomede Island. The island’s limited infrastructure and challenging Arctic climate make it, unlike other, more traditional ice runways. This means using the ice for take-off and aircraft landing is sporadic and unpredictable at best. However, it is an ice runway nonetheless that has important strategic use, considering its precarious location in the bearing straight. Its proximity to the Russian island Big Diomede makes this evident.

Emergency or Seasonal Use

This ice runway is vital to those living on the island since they routinely deal with demanding challenges due to its remoteness and isolation, severe extreme weather conditions, and lack of appreciable infrastructure. Given the challenging remote conditions, the temporary ice airstrip is sometimes used for emergency or seasonal purposes. It’s crucial to verify the ice runway airport information with proper and adequate sources, as changes and new developments related to the ice runway change constantly.

Remote Arctic Region

This illusive ice runway that is seasonally established is typically used during winter when sea-ice conditions make its use viable. In remote Arctic regions, improvised ice airstrips are often created to facilitate cargo and passenger transport, especially in locations where conventional airports are impossible.

The Seasonal Ice Runway

It’s essential to always check with local authorities, aviation agencies, or recent sources for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the seasonal ice runway on Little Diomede Island. Changes in infrastructure or aviation practices occur frequently, and the situation can change with short or little notice.

No Permanent Hard-Surface Airports

The Little Diomede Island Ice Runway (DM2) is considered a temporary ice runway on Little Diomede Island in Alaska. It is accessible for take-off and landing only during the winter months. Note that the island has no permanent hard-surface airports due to its rocky terrain.

The Bering Strait

As mentioned, the island lies centrally within the Bering Strait, halfway between Alaska’s mainland and the Russian Federation. The runway forms on frozen sea ice surrounding the island when temperatures drop below freezing, creating a solid landing strip for small planes and helicopters. The location is extremely remote and isolated, with no connecting roads between the island and the mainland.

Sea-Ice Thickness

Also, note that annual ice sheet variations cause the runway to change position each year. In recent years, the sea ice has not been thick or stable enough to support safely landing a plane on the ice. The minimum required sea-ice thickness is approximately 4.5 feet. The last Bering Air flight landed at Little Diomede Island in 2013. However, smaller aircraft and helicopters may still use ice for take-off and landing operations.

Location: Bering Strait Sea

Coordinates: 65°45′15″N 168°55′15″W

Archipelago: Diomede Islands

Area: 2.43 sq mi (6.3 km2)

Highest elevation: 1,621 ft (494.1 m)

United States United States

Population: 82 (2021)

Time zone: Alaska: UTC −9/−8