Ambler News

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Two men died in Northwest Alaska while trying to drive their snowmobile over open water.

Two men in Northwest Alaska drowned after trying to drive their snowmachine over open water on the Kobuk River early Tuesday, according to Alaska State Troopers.

The state Department of Transportation and Public Facilities has released a preliminary study of routes and costs for a road into the mineral-rich Ambler Mining District of Northwest Alaska.

"How about here?" my friend Lynn gestured. The campsite seemed fine, especially on a late, snow-dusted evening after a day of rough trail.