Flood in Deltana and Tanana, Alaska

The first Heavy rain of the season fell across the Chena, Salcha, and Goodpaster River basins on May 25-26, 2012. Rainfall amounts of up to 1.26 inches fell at the Goodpaster River gage in approximately 18 hours. The combination of the heavy rainfall, runoff from residual high elevation snowpack, and frozen ground caused all three rivers to rise significantly. The crest of 20.6 feet at the Upper Chena River gage is the highest rainfall produced crest since July 2003.

Three canoers were swept by the high water onto an Island near milepost 29 Chena Hot Springs Road. In a separate incident, another group that was camping near milepost 37 Chena Hot Springs woke up to find that they were on an island in the middle of the River. No injuries were reported in either incident.

Along the Goodpaster River, minor flooding was reported at the Pogo Mine at 1900AKST on the 25th. Water flooded the airstrip and mine equipment yard.

Along the Salcha River, there was some water in the low spots around the campground at the Salcha River State Recreation Site. Water was covering the road at the exit of the parking area for the campground. The crest of 15.14 feet at the Salcha River at the Richardson Highway Bridge occurred at 0400AKST on the 27th and was just above the flood stage of 14 feet.