Flash Flood in Alaska, August 14 to 15, 1997

On Thursday morning, reports were received that significant rises had occurred on all tributaries draining into the Copper River. The Tazlina, Klutina and other streams and rivers in the western Copper Basin crossing the Richardson Highway were reported to be flowing at extremely high levels and were causing flooding in some areas. Earlier on Wednesday, McCarthy Creek in the eastern Copper Basin caused very minor flooding Wednesday as a result of heavy rains during the beginning of the week. (these high water levels had dropped below concern levels Thursday morning). The Tazlina River was flowing over a dike on the north side of the river (which was designed to protect the bridge abutments) Thursday morning.. Water levels on the south side of the river had reached some driveways. High water on the Klutina River near the highway caused minor flooding of a campground. Early Friday additional information clarified the situation. The Tazlina River rose due to a combination of 3 glacier lake releases and the locally heavy rains in the Chugach Mountains. The river crested late Thursday afternoon, causing minor flooding to 3 homes and some erosion near the highway bridge. By Friday morning water levels had dropped 8 to 10 inches from the crest.