Yentna and Skwentna rivers headed for high water

Heavy rain is pushing the Yentna and Skwentna rivers toward bankfull this week, and the low spots along them — gravel bars and the riverside flats people camp on — are expected to go underwater.

The National Weather Service expects 1.5 to 2.5 inches of rain across the western Susitna Valley through Wednesday, with the rivers cresting around then and running high into the weekend. That's enough to swamp popular camping and fishing spots and pond up low, poorly drained ground.

If you're headed out there, or already are, check the river forecast before you commit to a sandbar, and be ready to move to higher ground.