Forecasters expect water to peak a foot above normal tide in four Kuskokwim Delta villages

The National Weather Service in Anchorage says high tides Friday and Saturday morning will peak at a foot or less above the normal highest tide line along the Kuskokwim Delta coast, similar to levels seen Thursday morning. Forecasters expect no flooding.

The highest water is forecast between 5 and 8 a.m. each morning. Levels should fall through Sunday and Monday. Kipnuk, Kwigillingok, Kongiganak and Quinhagak are the communities most likely to see the elevated water.

The week began stronger. Forecasters warned Wednesday of water 1 to 2 feet above normal high tide, southerly gusts to 40 mph and up to half an inch of rain. Kwigillingok faced higher risk because its shoreline sits perpendicular to southerly winds.

Kwigillingok floods every year from storm surge, ice jams and other causes. A state community profile estimates average erosion there at 2 to 15 feet annually. Kipnuk and Kwigillingok are still rebuilding from ex-Typhoon Halong, which struck in October 2025.

The Alaska Climate Justice Program and partner communities say the recurring flooding requires transformative action, not just episodic low-threat advisories like this week's.