Alaska Village Electric Cooperative

Ambler Facts

Community Profile

• Current population: 277
• Incorporation Type: 2 Class City
• # of Consumers: 109
Total Generating Capacity (kw):  982

Community Facilities

• Water derived from a well, treated, stored in an insulated tank, then piped to most homes.
• An 80' standby well is also located at the water treatment plant
• Sewage is collected via 6- and 8-inch arctic pipes and flows to a facultative lagoon
• Most homes are served by the piped water and sewer system
• Lighted, gravel airstrip with a gravel crosswind airstrip
• Barge service in summer
• One school
• Local health clinic
• Emergency Services have river and air access

 

Economy

Cash employment is limited to the school, City, clinic, and local stores, and some mining occurs. Five residents hold commercial fishing permits. Subsistence is a major part of the local economy. Chum salmon and caribou are the most important food sources. Freshwater fish, moose, bear, and berries are also harvested. Birch baskets, fur pelts, and jade, quartz, bone and ivory carvings are sold in gift shops throughout the state. The community is interested in developing a lapidary facility for local artisans.

Culture and Activities

A federally-recognized tribe is located in the community -- the Ambler Traditional Council. The residents of Ambler are Kowagniut Inupiat Eskimos, with a traditional subsistence lifestyle. Ambler's major means of transportation are by barge, plane, small boat and snowmachine. Boats are used for inter-village travel and subsistence activities. ATVs and snowmachines are commonly used in winter.

Climate

• Continental climate zone
• -10 - 15 F during the winter
• 40 - 65 F during the summer
• Snowfall averages 80 in/yr.
• Precipitation is 16  in/yr.
• Kobuk River is navigable early July to mid-October

Community Weather

   Clear, 52°F