Bering seacoast, AK

"When the Bering Sea is ice free, usually from late June until November, ocean waters moderate temperatures, humidity increases and clouds fringe the coastline. Once the sea freezes over, however, more extreme continental influences take hold with lower temperatures and clearing skies. At Nome, on the coast, January temperatures average from minus 3 degrees F. to plus 12 degrees F. Winter snowfall reaches 60 inches annually, and can create substantial drifts when whipped by the wind. On the Bering seacoast, the "chill factor" can reach minus 100 degrees F., causing instant freezing of exposed flesh." - Photo taken in late August of 1996 -