Coastal Flood in Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

A tide gage in Kwigillingok measured water levels exceeding 2.3 feet above mean higher high water (MHHW) between December 18th and 19th. A local Tribal Resilience Office reported that lakes in Kwigillingok overflowed with standing water near the village. A dirt road in the village was inundated, but most elevated walkways avoided flooding. There were isolated cases of flooding over boardwalks in low-lying areas. There was an ice jam along small creeks and sloughs in the vicinity of the village. A Tribal Official in Kipnuk reported that lakes were overflowing around the village. There were isolated cases of water rising up and over portions of boardwalks in low-lying areas. Water levels in Kipnuk began rising around 4:00 to 5:00 AM AKST on December 19th. Winds during this period was southeasterly at around 23 mph and gusting to 35 mph.

A deep low pressure system with multiple imbedded shortwaves moved into the Bering on December 18th, bringing precipitation and gusty winds to the Aleutian Islands and inland areas of Southwest Alaska. Winds were oriented in a southerly direction in the Kuskokwim Delta, allowing for coastal flooding to impact communities along the shore south of Bethel. Tides were elevated due to a recent full moon and there was less sea ice coverage than normal, which were other factors that gave rise to this round of coastal flooding. Coastal communities experienced isolated cases of flooding over boardwalks.