Flood in Lower Yukon River, Alaska

Flood May 22, 2026 – May 28, 2026 · Lower Yukon River, Alaska

$100K

Damage as recorded

Where the report was made, with tornadoes recorded within 15 miles over the years.

What the National Weather Service wrote

The NWS River Watch team reported that heavy river ice jammed and backed up directly into the Andreafsky River near Saint Mary's, forcing it to flow backward upstream. Water levels rose significantly, causing damage to low-lying fish camps and smokehouses. Observers reported this as the highest water seen since the historic 1989 breakup.

The wider storm

As the third week of May 2026 unfolded, the dynamic breakup front stalled repeatedly along the Lower Yukon, creating a cascading sequence of severe jams and flooding. This period involved massive downstream surges as well as backwater effects in tributaries like the Andreafsky and Chuilnuk.

Began near Pitkas Point (61.9798, -163.3160).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event 1340709. Narratives are written by the National Weather Service forecast office that issued the report.

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