Flood in Alaska, August 1 to 5, 2001

Event continued from July.Rainfall of 2.00 to 5.25 inches over the Upper Tanana Valley and Fortymile Area from July 23-25 resulted in flooding stages on the Tanana River and streams of the Fortymile Country. At the village of Northway, flooding began at approximately 11pm AST July 28. At the village of Tanacross, flooding began at approximately 3pm AST July 30. The first report of flood damage to the Taylor Highway was received at 8am AST July 24; at one point there were 4 mudslides and at least one washout reported. At Northway, maximum stage occurred on July 29 at 1.85 feet above the flood stage of 12.0 feet. At the village of Tanacross, maximum stage occurred August 1 at 0.96 feet above flood stage. The Taylor Highway, the only land link to the village of Eagle, was cut by mudslides and washouts in several locations. Extensive work by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation was required to reopen the highway. The Northway Road, the only road connecting Northway Village to the Alaska Highway, was closed by flood waters as well. The village cemetery at Tanacross was completely inundated by water flowing in from the swollen Tanana River. The property damage amount of $90,000 was for road repairs, either material used by the State of Alaska Department of Transportation, or the entire restoration of a project done via contractor. These repairs included 2000 feet of the road to Northway (off the Alaska Highway), the Gardiner Creek Bridge on the Alaska Highway, and portions of the Taylor Highway.