Flood advisory issued for Northern Susitna Valley

On September 1, the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued a flood advisory for the Northern Susitna Valley in the Petersburg as one to three inches of rainfall is expected Monday afternoon into the evening. The heaviest rain is expected across the headwaters of Peters Creek and Cache Creek.

Reports on social media indicate that some areas near Cache Creek are already experiencing flooding and log jams.

Current NWS models indicate that a lull in rain is expected on Tuesday, followed by another round of rain expected on Wednesday, bringing another inch of rainfall.

People are advised to not drive or walk through standing water, as there is no way to predict how deep the water really is. Residents should expect minor flooding in low-lying and poor drainage areas, and rises in small streams. Campers and hikers should avoid streams or creeks. Some low-water crossings may become impassable, and river or stream flows are elevated.

Reports indicate that area creeks and streams are already running higher than normal after last week’s rainfall, and while waters have been receding, the expected additional rainfall may result in rising waters again.

Streams that may be affected include Peters Creek, Moose Creek, Kroto Creek, and other nearby streams and their tributaries.

Though a flood warning had been issued earlier for the Yentna, which crested over 23 feet during the weekend, and its tributaries at and above Lake Creek, it was cancelled Monday morning, though waters might remain at or slightly above action stage now, the flood waters will continue to slowly recede through today.

The Susitna is not expected to rise into flood stage again.

As for the rest of the Mat-Su, as of September 1, rain is in the forecast from nearly one end of the Borough to the other for the rest of the week, though no flood advisories or warnings have been issued at this point.

For more information, please visit www.weather.gov