High waters after heavy rains have flood watchers on guard

Mat Su Emergency Services are keeping an eye on Northern Susitna Valley watersheds this week, as saturated soils and heavy rains have brought many streams and rivers full to the banks. Emergency Services Director Dennis Brodigan says they are starting to see some of the streams and rivers recede, but with rain forecast through the week they will continue to maintain a close eye on the Susitna, Talkeetna and their tributaries.
The weekend was active at the river gauges. By noon Sunday, many creeks in the Susitna Valley were at bankfull levels and a few at or near minor flood stage. Willow Creek levels reached ten feet by late afternoon Sunday, and Montana Creek reached more than 6 feet as water continued to rise with the rainfall.

Trapper Creek was over its banks at noon today, and Moose Creek at Oil Well road had come over the roadway.

The Susitna River gained four feet by late Monday to rise to 19 feet.
Stream rises are expected to be slow, and flash flooding is not a concern. Some local roads may be impassable, and flooding is possible from mile 64 – 100 on the Parks Highway.

Brodigan says that should anyone observe flooding in their area, they should call 911