River watch in MAT-SU for flooding

MAT-SU— Sept.4—Nearly a year after a federal flood disaster here, the Matanuska-Susitna Borough is again monitoring creeks and rivers that are near flood levels. However Borough officials say the dry summer this year created a better scenario for absorbing rain and mountain runoff than last year’s wet summer.

The MAT-SU Borough Flood Task Force is monitoring water levels daily as well as the predictions of NOAA, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which through the National Weather Service issues timely graphs of water levels online.

 “The Borough Flood Task Force will coordinate any actions necessary to protect life and property,” said Casey Cook, the MAT-SU Borough’s Emergency Manager. “But this fall doesn’t have the wet conditions of last fall’s federal flood disaster. The ground was very dry this summer, and we have normal rainfall,” Cook said.

If the rivers indicate it’s necessary, the Emergency Operations Center would be staffed, he said.

To report flooding or high water call 373-8800 during business hours or after 5 pm call 911.

If you are in imminent danger, call 911.

• As of 2 pm today (Wed.) Montana Creek, at 7 feet 2 inches, is an inch below minor flood stage at the Parks Highway. (Action stage for Montana creek begins at 6 feet 8 inches. In action stage, the water surface is generally near or slightly above the top of its banks, but no structures are flooded. Minor flooding is 7.3 feet. Flooding here would affect Willow.

• The Talkeetna River is in the action stage at the Talkeetna Railroad Bridge. Talkeetna River at the bridge is 10.55 feet and decreasing.

The action stage is 10 feet and the flood level is 12 feet.

• The Yentna River is at a minor flooding level of 20.7 feet.

• The Matanuska River is 7.68 feet, nearly two feet below a minor flood stage and trending downward.

• The Little Susitna River is nearly 3 feet below flood stage.

Photo: Matanuska River near King's River by Patty Sullivan/MSB.

For more information call Public Affairs Director Patty Sullivan at 745-9577 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.