Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Citizens Advised to Avoid Flood Areas

Mat-Su | Patty Sullivan | Friday, August 18, 2006

Citizens Advised to Avoid Flood Areas

This information is current as of 12:30 p.m.
Please refer to previous press releases for additional details.

EMERGENCY OPERATIONS CENTER-- The Matanuska Susitna Borough Emergency Operations Center urges people not to drive into or walk into water on the roadways. Water is deeper than it appears and the potential for being trapped is great. Water hazards include fast moving water, sink holes, floating debris or contamination.

Citizens are advised to stay out of the flood areas for their own safety. Please do not go sightseeing. Any unnecessary traffic in the area can hinder the work of our emergency responders. You can assist with our rescue efforts by not becoming a victim.

If you are in need of assistance please call the Emergency Operations Center at 373-5306.

Talkeetna
Residents north of Talkeetna along the Chase Trail are advised that the Chase Trail is flooded between Billion Slough and Talkeetna River Bridge. The railroad may still be intact.

In East Talkeetna, residents are urged to evacuate due to flood waters.

Yoder Rd is washed out. Beaver Rd is being sandbagged in preparation for rising water. Mahay's Riverboat Service has assisted with evacuation of residents in the Clear Creek area.

The Alaska Railroad Corporation (ARRC) is suspending all train traffic between Talkeetna and Denali National Park due to heavy rains and subsequent flooding. The weather is affecting the mainline track north of Talkeetna between ARRC milepost 237 and 270.

A number of slides have occurred in the area and the mainline has been washed out at ARRC milepost 252. The full extent of track damage is being assessed.
The National Weather Service expects scattered showers to continue in the Talkeetna area through the day. One inch of precipitation has been falling every eight hours on Ruth Glacier.

Trapper Creek
In Trapper Creek at Susitna River Road, residents are urged to evacuate their homes before rising water and erosion makes travel impossible.

Several residents at Oilwell Rd and Petersville Rd, west of Moose Creek are trapped on the west side of the creek.

Montana Creek
Montana Creek residents east of the Montana Creek Bridge have been isolated by rising water. Montana Creek Campground is under one foot of water and has been closed.

Shelter Information
Emergency Shelters are open at Su Valley High, Larson Elementary, and the Willow Community Center. Persons evacuating their homes can go there for food and safety.

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