Nenana Ice Classic clock stops Monday afternoon, finishing 2023 contest

FAIRBANKS, Alaska (KTVF) - UPDATE: The Nenana Ice Classic clock tripped at 5:01 p.m. Alaska Daylight Savings Time on Monday, May 8.

Because the clock marks Alaska Standard Time (AKST), and all guesses are made in Alaska Standard Time, a correct guess would be 4:01 p.m. AKST.

ORIGINAL STORY.

Everyone is excited about the excitement.

The Nenana Ice Classic tripod that sits in the middle of the Tanana River tipped over at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday morning, but as of 8:50 a.m. Monday, May 8 has not tripped the clock.

The timer will not stop until the tripod has traveled down river and tripped the clock. The stopping of the clock determines who has won the 2023 jackpot. This could happen at any moment.

Every year since 1917, people have tried their luck at guessing the exact date and time, including the hour and minute, that the ice will move the tripod and trip the clock.

According to the Ice Classic’s website, “The Tanana River has severe ice rot throughout, and a current can be seen running beneath the ice that is still standing. The Tanana River has large open running water both upriver and downriver. It is only a matter of time before the tripod takes its journey down the Tanana River.”

As a reminder, the winning time is posted in Standard Time. This might be confusing for some ticket holders. The reasoning for the winning time being Standard Time is the tripod went up on March 5 and Day Lights Savings Time started on Sunday, March 12. The contest started before we switched the clocks.

This year’s jackpot is $222,101. There could be one winner or there could be many winners.

This story was update with additional information at 6:59 p.m. Monday, May 8.

Copyright 2023 KTVF. All rights reserved.