Flood in Alaska, July 1 to 2, 2001

**Note - this is a continuation of event that began June 21.Water levels were rising during the 2nd half of June due to an extended period of snow melt from the Alaska Range. Since the river gauge on the Yentna River was new (established late 1999), there was no bankfull or flood stage information. The warning was issued when the River Forecast Center was notified that water was surrounding several fish camps. As it turned out, these camps had been built very close to the river. By June 24th, water levels were too high for the river observer to read his slope profile gauge.On June 25th and 27th, the Anchorage Forecast Office Service Hydrologist and an Alaska River Forecast Center hydrologist were able to conduct a high water survey on both the Skwentna and Yentna Rivers. They established a reasonable flood stage for these rivers, as well as mapped the locations of specific fish camps and lodges.Post analysis indicates that stages were high enough during the event to allow water to flow into several of the cabins of these low-lying camps and lodges. This should be considered a minor flood event.There is no established bankfull or flood stage for this area. It is also difficult too assess snow melt runoff. In addition, post-survey results indicate that several fish camps and lodges are built in areas that are flood prone.