Cordova's harbor is normally open year round and they do not have a food/fuel issue at present from what I've heard. In fact the NG troops came in on the ferry on Monday. Nome was to receive it's winter fuel delivery some months ago but a massive storm prevented the fuel barge from arriving while the ocean passage was open to barge traffic.

Many Alaskans in small towns also count on subsistance fishing and hunting to provide food for their families for the winter. Cordova sits on the Copper River Watershed which is an important salmon fishing and hatchery area. Putting up smoked salmon is something nearly all the residents do. And it is tasty!