Flood — Lower Kuskokwim Valley, Alaska

2020-04-30 · near Aniak, Lower Kuskokwim Valley, Alaska

Event narrative

The catastrophic ice jam which began on 4/30 held through 5/4 at the Kolmakof River. As a result, 16 cabins and several other buildings were destroyed or submerged, and the airport was under with feet of water. Most damage occurred in the vicinity of the Native Village of Napaimute.

Wider weather episode

An unusually high amount of snowfall, combined with an anamolously cold April set the precedent conditions for an impactful break up season. Ice was thicker across the rivers than it had been for several years. A rapid warm up across Interior Alaska caused upstream snow melting, leading to ice jams and widespread flooding along the lower Kuskokwim River.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (61.6541, -159.0627)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 890564. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.