Chandalar River
Template:Short description Template:Main otherScript error: No such module "Infobox".Template:Template otherScript error: No such module "Check for unknown parameters".Template:Main other The Chandalar River (T'eedriinjik[1] in Gwich'in) is a Template:Convert tributary of the Yukon River in the U.S. state of Alaska.[2] Its French name was "Gens de Large" or "nomadic people" which when written in English from its local pronunciation evolved into "Chandalar."[3] Its peak flow, recorded by the United States Geological Survey (USGS) between 1964 and 1974 at a stream gauge at Venetie, was Template:Convert on June 9, 1968.[4]
The Chandalar River main stem begins at the confluence of the North Fork Chandalar River and the Middle Fork Chandalar River and flows generally southeast through the state's northern interior southeast of the Philip Smith Mountains of the Brooks Range.[5] The Chandalar enters the Yukon River Template:Convert northwest of Fort Yukon.[2]
In 2015 the Chandalar became federally recognized by the United States Board on Geographic Names as their indigenous Gwichʼin names Teedriinjik River meaning "shimmering river" and Ch'idriinjik River meaning "heart river". The names had been in use for over a thousand years by the Athabaskans.[6]
Major tributaries
North Fork Chandalar River, Template:Convert long,[7] begins near Atigun Pass in the Brooks Range and flows generally southeast through Chandalar Lake to meet the Middle Fork and form the main stem.[5] At the North Fork, headwaters is a flat valley known as Chandalar shelf just east of the Dalton Highway, where caribou are known to winter.
The Template:Convert Middle Fork Chandalar River[8] heads up in the Philip Smith Mountains east of Atigun Pass.[5] It flows generally south from the mountains to join the North Fork.[5]
East Fork Chandalar River, Template:Convert long,[9] starts near the Romanzof Mountains in the eastern Brooks Range.[5] From there, it flows generally southwest past Arctic Village to enter the main stem upstream of Venetie.[5]
West Fork Chandalar River, a Template:Convert tributary of the North Fork Chandalar River, flows east from mountainous terrain east of Coldfoot. It joins the North Fork Template:Convert upstream of that stream's confluence with the Middle Fork.[10]
Climate
There is a weather station in the Chandalar Shelf Valley near Atigun Pass. Chandalar Shelf has a subarctic climate (Köppen Dfc), bordering on a tundra climate (Köppen ET). Template:Weather box
Recreation
Although the lower river can be fished for northern pike, sheefish, and salmon, the upper river, its tributaries, headwaters, and nearby lakes offer "the most exciting fishing possibilities".[11] The main sportfishing species in the basin are northern pike, Arctic grayling, charr, and lake trout.[11]
Anglers and hunters typically enter the region by airplane or, in winter, by snowmobile. It is possible for experienced boaters to float and fish the river system in rafts or kayaks. Hazards include shallows and rapids. There are no public campgrounds or other facilities; however, there is a fishing lodge at Chandalar Lake.[11]
Gallery
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Sunrise over the East Fork of the Chandalar River, in the Brooks Range
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Chandalar River in summer
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Chandalar River in winter
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Mountain in the Chandalar River Valley
See also
References
Works cited
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External links
- ↑ Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
- ↑ a b Cite error: Invalid
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- ↑ a b c d e f Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".
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- ↑ Alaska Place Names, p. 698
- ↑ Alaska Place Names, p. 638
- ↑ Alaska Place Names, p. 296
- ↑ Alaska Place Names, p. 1036
- ↑ a b c Script error: No such module "citation/CS1".