Deep in the Alaskan wilderness is America's toughest town: McCarthy. Locked in winter's grip, the 42 brave souls who live here battle to keep their pioneer lifestyle.

"The last days of winter bring change, and the future of the town lies in the balance. Jason races the melting river crossings to reach his crashed airplane."

As seasons change in McCarthy, the town is haunted by its darkest day. The icy ground thaws into a quagmire, and old-timer Tim Mischel is marooned at his remote cabin.