The Chena River broke up in Fairbanks yesterday, and ice jams caused waters to rise. The National Weather Service reported earlier this morning (Friday) that the downtown area jams had cleared overnight. An ice jam on the Salcha River also prompted a flood watch.
Meanwhile, rapid melt off of an above normal
snowpack is causing minor flooding elsewhere around the Interior. Weather Service meteorologist John Cowan says above normal temperatures over the last week have resulted in significant melting.
"There are some areas that have caused some localized flooding.”
State Department of Transportation northern region spokesperson Caitlin Frye says snowmelt run off is a problem on several sections of road near rivers and creeks, including along the recently opened Taylor Highway, in the Eastern Interior.
"Got shut down again, yesterday at MP 54, with pretty serious damage and water going across the road. We also have roads that have shut down in the Delta area, and we are watching a spot on Chena Hot Springs Road around Mile 26, we have a flood alert for that part of the road."
Other spots where water has been a problem include a stretch of Ballaine Road in Fairbanks, the Steese Highway between Central and Circle, the Elliot Highway west of Livengood and Dalton Highway milepost 6. Frye cautions that flooding is expected to continue, and it might get worse.
"If you are going to one of our more remote highways, like the Taylor. Please drive a 4WD vehicle, and bring emergency supplies."
As far as the larger breakup picture in the Interior goes, the Weather Service’s Cowan says flood concerns remain along the region’s larger rivers, including the Tanana and Yukon.
"We are expecting more of a mechanical (dynamic) breakup this year.”
Cowan says the National Weather Service is working with river community observers, as well as pilots to track break up conditions.