Susitna river starts its annual breakup

The Susitna River started its annual shrugging and groaning as the river ice breaks up.  Residents up the Chase trail report that large blocks of ice moved down river late last night, blocking the normal river flow.

Pilots flying overhead report that a channel of water up the tracks has diverted from its usual channel and is flowing into the Chulitna.

The Yukon River’s official break up was last week.  According to residents along the river, it was uneventful.  So far, there is no sign of the disastrous flooding that occurred last year at this time on the Yukon.

The Tanana River officially broke up on April 29^th.  There are three winners from this year’s Nenana Ice Classic that will share a pot of $279,000.

National Weather Service forecasters are calling for a milder than normal break up on most rivers and that flooding potential is lower than normal due to below average snowfall this winter and mild temperatures for the past two or three months.

KTNA will keep an eye on the Susitna River break up as it occurs. All residents should be cautious of the hazardous conditions that can occur these next couple of days along the riverfront