Flood in Kenai Peninsula, Alaska

Snow Glacial Dam releases caused minor flooding along the Snow and Kenai Rivers from near Seward to Skilak Lake. Water levels reached minor flood levels with reports of high water closing down boat access, reaching into yards, and encroaching on garages along the rivers.

The Snow Glacial Dam Release occurred around September 3rd 2022. Partners had received a Glacial Dam Release reminder since Snow Glacial Dam Release occurs biannually and the previous release had been in 2020. The initial release raised water levels on the Snow River which continued downstream to the Kenai River and on to Skilak Lake. The capacity of Skilak Lake was large enough to absorb the Glacier Dammed Lake and prevent high water from traveling further downstream, producing only minor rises.