Rain forecast for Yentna and Skwentna gravel bars through Monday night

Another period of rain is forecast for the western Susitna Valley, with the National Weather Service in Anchorage warning that rivers in the region may still be running elevated when the new rainfall arrives.

The National Weather Service in Anchorage issued a hydrologic outlook Friday, expiring 3 p.m. Saturday, for the Yentna and Skwentna River basins, warning that 1.5 to 2.5 inches of widespread rainfall is expected from Saturday night through Monday night. That outlook arrives while a flood advisory for the Yentna River near Lake Creek, issued earlier this week, remained in effect through Friday noon. Most rivers and streams in both basins are forecast to crest Tuesday, including the Yentna at Lake Creek.

Gravel bars and low-lying spots along both river systems are the primary concern. Those areas are heavily used for camping and recreation in midsummer, and the National Weather Service in Anchorage warned they may become inundated as rivers reach bankfull conditions. Localized ponding is also expected in low-lying areas with poor drainage throughout the region.

The National Weather Service advises residents along area streams, river users, and recreators to anticipate higher than normal water levels and to monitor weather and river forecasts through the weekend. Flooding and river condition reports can be called in to the National Weather Service in Anchorage at 907-266-5127 or the river forecast center at 907-266-5160.