Yentna River floods lodge cabins; two Susitna Valley advisories run through Friday

Water levels on the Yentna River climbed well above flood stage Wednesday as the National Weather Service Anchorage issued simultaneous flood advisories covering both the Western and Central Susitna Valley, with more rain expected through Thursday.

The Yentna River at Lake Creek measured 21.5 feet at 8:50 a.m. Wednesday, a full foot above the 20.5-foot flood stage. At that stage, Anglers Inn and King Point Lodges have water in several cabins, according to the advisory. If the river reaches 22.0 feet, several lodges and resorts will have water in a number of cabins, with water also encroaching on main lodge buildings. The Western Susitna advisory runs until noon Friday.

"Flooding caused by excessive rainfall continues," NWS Anchorage said in the Western Susitna advisory. "If you live near or along Yentna River, stay alert and be prepared to take action."

Central Susitna Valley

A separate advisory covers the Central Susitna Valley, where Moose Creek at Oilwell Road measured 16.55 feet at 10 a.m. Wednesday, just above the 16.5-foot minor flood stage. NWS Anchorage said water begins flowing over Oilwell Road at 16.85 feet, cutting off the low-water crossing. The advisory also warns of dangerous flows over low-water crossings and water over roadways. That advisory runs until 11:45 a.m. Thursday but may be extended.

Repeated Flooding Since Mid-July

The Susitna Valley has been under repeated flood advisories since mid-July. The Yentna River stood at 18.6 feet as recently as July 19 before rapid rises pushed it above flood stage. The Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center has noted that thunderstorms across Southcentral, focused on the Susitna Valley, can produce brief heavy downpours capable of localized flooding on top of already elevated rivers.

Anyone with flooding to report can call NWS Anchorage at 907-266-5127 or the river forecast center at 907-266-5160.