Winner announced for Yukon River break-up prediction

The ice is out on the Yukon River at Dawson City andthe winner has been announced for the annual contest where people predictthe timing of the breakup.

The tripod in the annual "ice pool" moved at 1:19p.m. Friday. That's almost two weeks earlier than last year when the official break-up occurred on May 15.

But that didn't throw off Dawson City resident Austin Gavin, who has the winning ticket for this year's competition. She's now more than $4,000 richer after guessing the break-up time correctly.

The Imperial Order Daughters of the Empire (IODE)women's charity splits the proceeds of the pool 50/50 with the winner.

Dawne Mitchell, also from Dawson City, pocketed just over $3,800for her correct prediction last year.