Flood stage tonight on Yentna River at Lake C

Today, (Aug. 17) the National Weather Service issued a flood advisory for the Yentna River at Lake Creek in the western Susitna Valley. The Yentna River could rise several inches above flood stage tonight, resulting in minor flooding, according to the forecast. Lodges along the river have been contacted and are taking precautionary actions.

The Matanuska-Susitna Borough is monitoring the situation and communicating with the National Weather Service. The area of flooding is off the road system northwest of Willow.

Tom Smayda, Emergency Manager for the Borough, said the lodge owners along the river are self-reliant and prepared for life along the river. Smayda said if someone needed help, the Borough is ready to respond.

The Skwentna River was three feet below flood stage as of 8 am, Tuesday.

The National Weather Service reports that several days of high freezing followed by 1 to 1.5 inches of rainfall Monday have caused rivers and streams in the western Susitna to rise rapidly Tuesday morning. The Yentna River is expected to crest Wednesday afternoon and remain high for several days at is slowly recedes.