Flood in Yukon Flats Nearby Uplands, Alaska

An ice jam released upstream of Circle City and sent a surge of water and ice through the city during the 19th, causing major flooding by inundating the city with 5 to 8 feet of water. Most structures were flooded except for the school which was slightly more elevated. All residents were evacuated to higher ground. The area upstream from the boat launch on the slough was most affected as the water levels brought a considerable amount of ice right into the homes in that area. Elsewhere, the main effects were water damage. One vehicle carrying village elders tried to drive through the flooded street to safety and went off of the road into the ditch. They were rescued in the bucket of a front loader and taken to safety. Water levels according to a long-time resident were the 2nd highest in over 50 years, with only the floods in 1989 more severe. Water levels began falling in the late afternoon and receded below flood level by mid-evening on the 19th. Damage amounts are estimated, and include repairs to 8 homes with major damage and 7 homes with minor damage, along with nearly 1 million dollars expended in emergency response and road repair.