Flash Flood in Northern Lynn Canal, Alaska

The West Creek flood inundated the small, remote community of Dyea on this date. A 700-foot high moraine above the West Creek Glacier collapsed during the early morning hours of Tuesday, July 23rd. This landslide collapsed into the glacial lake below, causing an estimated six foot rise in the lake level. Official estimates of between 536-766 million cubic yards of material slid into the lake. The displaced water volume surged downstream into the West Creek in a tsunami-like manner. The community of Dyea (10 miles north of Skagway) has about 20 year-round residents. With tourists in the area...35 people total had to be evacuated. Major flood, mud and silt damage resulted in Dyea. The flood waters receded a mere 5 hours after the initial flood wave gushed through...again indicating a tsunami-like flash flood due to the landslide. The main problem now is the silt and mud left behind. Fortunately no deaths nor major injuries occurred.