Willow Creek continues to spill over

MAT-SU 2p.m. Wed. —Water from Willow Creek has flooded or iced over some 20 acres of land and some roadway on the Willow side of Hatcher Pass, blocking access to five homes.

The flooding today is where three roads intersect at Kelly Circle, Michelle Drive and Gina Circle. A two-foot wide channel covers the intersection. Its deepest part is 12 inches, said Tom Smayda Emergency Manager for the Matanuska-Susitna Borough.

The roadways are near mile 3.3 of Willow-Fishhook Road from the Parks Highway.

No one is in immediate danger, Smayda said. One home still has water surrounding it as it has all week. That family relocated when the flooding began. Access to four other homes remains an ongoing problem. At least two families have relocated because of the flooding, Smayda said.

An aerial image of Willow Creek shows a sharp bend in the creek just upstream from where the problems begin. “That’s probably where the ice jam is,” Smayda said.

Smayda and Borough Public Works road maintenance Superintendent Mike Lachelt attempted to verify that an ice jam is the problem, but accessing the area is too risky. Smayda broke through the ice to his calf when crossing a fast-moving channel so they turned back.

Last week, Deneki Drive had ice on it and was cleared, but is not under water today. Flooding problems ended on the south side of the creek but remain on the north side of the creek.

Willow Assistant Fire Chief Marvin Rankin continues to monitor the scene. Public Works monitors the flooding as well.

Photos by Tom Smayda/MSB. For more information call Tom Smayda at 373-8812 or email Patty Sullivan This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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