Kobuk News

Living in Alaska's outer reaches is challenging enough, given the isolation and weather extremes, but at least three remote communities also have experienced weather-related late deliveries of fuel so crucial to their survival during an especially bitter winter.

In this image provided by the U.S. Coast Guard the Kigluaik Mountains are visible as the Coast Guard Cutter Healy breaks ice for the Russian tanker Renda near Nome Friday Jan.

Living in Alaska's outer reaches is challenging enough, given the isolation and weather extremes, but at least three remote communities also have experienced weather-related late deliveries of fuel so crucial to their survival during an especially bitter winter.

As the world watches a Russian tanker crawl toward Nome, its belly full of gasoline and diesel fuel, two northwest Alaska villages faced a more immediate need this week.