Flood in Alaska, May 24 to 30, 2001

On May 24, an Ice Jam formed on the Yukon River downriver from Nulato, causing river water to back up into the villages of Nulato and Koyukuk. Governor Knowles issued a verbal State Disaster Declaration on May 30th for both Koyukuk and Nulato. The ice jam below Nulato released around noon Tuesday the 29th. The water levels at Nulato had fallen over 10 feet by 9am Wednesday the 30th. Koyukuk:98% of the community was inundated.Approximately 30 yds. X 25 yds. of runway useable during the height of the flooding - was a helicopter landing zone only.Affected buildings:The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities maintenance facility flooded: 4.5' to 6';'DOT&PF fuel tank footing on west side of maintenance facility unstable; tank leaning; lines appear to be intactNational Guard Armory reported possible water intrusionPower plant tank farm inundatedCity Office storage building (16' X 20") inundated 3' - 4''School shop (16' X 20') and school storage (16' X 20") inundated 3' - 4''Community sewage lagoon inundated (no effluent visible)Community landfill inundatedPrivate residences: 10 to 12 had water intrusion 1" - 4"; with possible water intrusion to insulationPersonal property damages: snow machines, 4-wheelers, building materials and misc. unknown quantities35 people (elders & children) voluntarily evacuated from Koyukuk on May 25th to Galena. Evacuees were sheltered by family and friends. Multiple logistics flights flew into Koyukuk with food, fuel, water and support personnel.Nulato:10% of community inundated by floodwatersBridge from Airport to Nulato under water (Bridge 25' X 40' Approx.)Roadway to New Nulato under water 25' x half mileFuel tank farm containment area flooded (no tank damage noted) # petroleum sheen visible on water (probably residual fuel from containment area)Community landfill inundatedCommunity well: water sample tested was returned negative for contamination. Well head and controller under water. Well shutdown Wednesday, May 23, 2001 with storage tank at 97% capacity. Current capacity is 64% - community on water conservation - voluntary.Private residences: 8 to 10 had some water intrusionPersonal property damages: snow machines, 4-wheelers, building materials and misc.; unknown quantitiesLoss of well due to controller failure or contaminationDamage by ice to fueling header (community asset)Damage by ice to fueling header (school)Roadway from airport to Nulato under water for 300 yds.