Flash Flood — Kuskokwim Valley, Alaska

2002-05-07 to 2002-05-11 · near Southwest Portion, Kuskokwim Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

A breaking ice jam on the Stony River, and the inflow to the Kuskokwim River contributed to significant river rises at Sleetmute and Red Devil by the 7th of May. This resulted in execution of an evacuation plan at Red Devil. By the 11th of May, Sleetmute was experiencing the highest breakup rise in recent memory. All streets were flooded, water was reported in several houses and water was flowing under several newer, elevated houses. The ice jam just downstream of Red Devil caused moderate flooding in the village, with water covering the center of the runway, leaving only the ends useable.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 5296614. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.