The Askaryan Radio Array (ARA) is a new initiative to develop a Teraton-scale ultra-high energy neutrino detector in deep,
radio-transparent ice near Amundsen-Scott station at the South Pole.
An initial prototype ARA detector system was installed in January 2011, and has been operating continuously since then. In the current
 polar season (2012) additonal detectors will be installed on the way to a 200 km^2 detector.                       

I will review the status of the ARA detector, our plans for the coming season, and report on the background radio noise levels,
the radio clarity of the ice, and the estimated sensitivity of the planned ARA array given these results.