DEWLINE HISTORICAL DESCRIPTION
Topography
- DYE-1, near QAQQATOQAQ (alternate spelling “Qaqatoqaq”) on the west coast of Greenland, is situated on the top of a mountain 4750 feet high. There is insufficient flat land within practical range of this Auxiliary Radar Station for an airstrip. For the majority of the year, transport to DYE-1 is by helicopter. During the annual sealift season, ships and landing craft have access to a beach area at the head of Itidadlak Fjord. A 19 mile switchback road built up the mountain connects the beach area with the site. 162 acres for use at DYE-1 has been leased from Denmark.
Climate
- Annual precipitation, including snowfall, is approximately 15 inches. Snowfall averages about 120 inches a year. Absolute minimum and maximum temperatures are minus 29 and plus 62 degrees Fahrenheit respectively.
Water
- Potable water is stored in two 345,000 gallon insulated storage tanks located near the composite building. During the summer, the tanks are filled via a 40,000 foot pipeline from a pumping station at a fresh water lake. In addition to the annual supply of water stored in tanks, ice and snow melting facilities are provided for use in emergencies.
PHOTOS
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Site Photo 1995. From radio installation at summit. Courtesy Per Miller Jensen.
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Site Photo 1995. Showing remains of radar tower base. Courtesy Per Miller Jensen.
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Site Photo 1995. Showing radio installation at summit. Courtesy Per Miller Jensen.
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Site Photo 1995. Another view of radio installation. Courtesy Per Miller Jensen.
![](https://lswilson.dewlineadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/QaqqatoqaqGLaerial.jpg)
Aerial map showing site location and road to the beach area.
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DYE-1. Qaqqatoqaq near the community of Sisimiut Greenland.
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DYE 1 in 1964.
Photo of Station Personnel, January 1, 1965.
Back Row: G.Kratinski; C.Andreasen; B.Bittner; J.Gormley; C.Voelkel; C.Bullion; R.Gilham; H.Hunton
Middle Row: H.Rengel; D.Harbeson; H.Vanderham; C.Gutscher; R.Zuntag; E.Kline; H.Jensen
Front Row: K.Englesen; R.Smith; H.Cady; C.Munshaw; R.Fretwell; H.Jensen; M.Helbo.
![](https://lswilson.dewlineadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/chrisnatives.jpg)
Chris Gutscher and native children at the fjord at the end of the (at that time) longest road in Greenland.
![](https://lswilson.dewlineadventures.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/01/fjordkids.jpg)
Fjord Kids, 1964.