Flood in Susitna Valley, Alaska

Widespread heavy rain fell over much of central and south central Alaska beginning August 17th and continuing through August 23rd. Heavier rains Friday caused rises on both gauged and un gauged rivers throughout this area. Twenty four hour rainfall amounts of up to 6 inches were reported through the Susitna River valley by Saturday morning along with widespread reports of flooding and road wash outs. This event resulted in the tentative flood of record for the river gauge on the Little Susitna River at the Parks highway with a preliminary crest near 14 ft. Moderate rain fell earlier in the week beginning on the 12th and 13th in the Susitna Valley. Total rainfall measured at the Ruth Glacier RAWS was 16.42 inches for this event and the Hatcher Pass RAWS measured 14.86 inches of rain. The axis of heaviest rain shifted east to the Prince William Sound area Saturday evening to Monday morning. By Monday morning the Mt. Eyak Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) gauge near Cordova had reported over 13 inches of rain in the previous 48 hours. This intense rainfall caused high stages and flooding on Sheridan Creek, Copper River, Power Creek, the Eyak River and Eyak Lake near Cordova. Heavy rainfall in the Anchorage and upper Kenai Peninsula areas during this event caused Campbell Creek at the canyon mouth near Anchorage to reach record stages. Saturated ground near Girdwood caused a massive debris flow on Crow Creek Pass Trail around 2 pm Monday, resulting in a National Guard rescue of nearly 30 stranded hikers.The rain became light by Thursday, August 24 across the flooded areas, and rivers continued to recede, with all rivers, streams, and lakes back below flood stage.