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Current Weather Info

Current Sun and Moon Info

Monday, May 04, 2009

Ice Jams Upriver

Statement as of 9:30 AM AKDT on May 04, 2009


... Flood Watch in effect through Wednesday afternoon for ice jam
flooding along the Kuskokwim River near Kalskag and Lower Kalskag...

The National Weather Service in Anchorage has expanded the

* Flood Watch for the Kuskokwim River at Kalskag and Lower Kalskag

* through Wednesday afternoon

Ice jam located between Kalskag and Aniak has caused substantial
flooding in Aniak. When ice jam releases it could cause a rapid
rise in the river at Kalskag and increase the risk of an ice jam
downstream of Kalskag.

Ice on the Kuskokwim River is still hard and solid increasing the
risk of an ice jam caused by lifting of the ice sheets with a rise
in the river. As the river rises during an ice jam the Road between
Kalskag and Lower Kalskag can become flooded. Fish camps from iftikums
to Lower Kalskag may be flooded. The Lower Kalskag High School and
tank farm may become isolated.


Precautionary/preparedness actions...
residents are advised to monitor the situation. Reports on river
conditions may be sent to the river forecast center by calling
1-800-847-1739.

1 comment:

Christine said...

Nifty pictures... everyone is speculating that Bethel will have a nasty breakup. With my husband working on Front Street he'll have a great view if we do... LOL

I remember one breakup where the water came up and over the seawall during the breakup party while big chunks of ice were sailing by in the river.

It was fun (it was a slow enough rise that it was non-threatening to the people there, but we did move)... but I've seen speculated-bad breakups turn into "the ice just went out overnight" and you wake up to a clear river.

I'm really excited...