We are still sampling on the ice but yesterday the snowmobile and the trail were surfing!
In the sampling zone there is a thin layer of ice covering about 40 cm of melted snow on top of a thick ice layer of about 80 cm.
Seagull are arrived which is, according to locals, a sign that the ice break is coming.
Fishermen have brought back their cabines on the earth and are now fishing close to the river bank.
fDOM values are around the levels of the days just before the ice break of the previous years.
The water is now rising quite steadily (our landmark, a old stranded boat is disappearing).

We are sampling only every two days because we are running out of sampling bottles and are waiting for a precise date of delivery of the freight sent from France.
Sending freight is tricky in spring because the only way to do it is by plane and cargo is booked mainly for fresh food (fruits and vegetables).
Indeed the winter road closed 1 month ago and the first boat is expected by the end of may…

Very first signs of spring are now visible along the Yenisei bank.
Locals develop different type of strategy to cross Yenisei melting edges.

Good ice condition let us sampling everyday during the last week.
Snowy then sunny but cold weather keep nice snowmobile track on the Yenisei.
Watercolour starts to change.
As every year, fishermen are out on the ice to catch fish migration before spring flood.
A good indication that spring is coming!

Nikita, Elena and Roman arrived today for the spring flood period.
For the first time, the historical team will sample together the Yenisei.
First attempt to get data from the Gravijka river sonde implemented since July.
We shared happy “into the wild” moments.

After two days sampling in cloudy/snowy conditions, the sun was back for an ideal sampling time on the shinny ice of the Yenisey.
Current temperatures are quite cold about -3 to -6 °C during day and from -10 to -18 °C at night.
Thus ice is still thick (near 1m) and there are almost no sign of melting.
Fishermen in their cabines still have some great days of fishing to comme.
According to weather forecast, positive temperature should occur on friday, let see what happen next!

Beautiful view from the plain over the frozen Yenisei and the city of Igarka.
The weather was very sunny and warm for the arrival, and everything was starting melting.
But now a cold wave has come, bringing some snow and refreezing.
Lab material and goods have been checked, we are ready to go!
First sample of the spring mission has been taken through the ice of the river on Friday 29/04 on a sunnybut cold day (between -10 and -5 °C).

Our land mark is back!
Meaning, low flow stage is not far.

…Everything is green!
The water level is lowering rapidly.
We are still sampling 3 to 4 times a week.
Water is getting more and more clear and warm (12°C).
Still, too cold for a bath?