Rapid snowmelt causes flooding on Copper River, threatens homes

Flooding on the Copper River has been wreaking havoc for residents along the riverbanks in the Glennallen area, causing one home to be swept away in the rising currents.

Monday, a house was swept away by the rushing waters, leaving several others at risk of also being taken by the river. Many residents have called this area home for decades, and now are faced with the difficult task of packing up and leaving until the floodwaters recede.

As residents move structures away from the threat, the river continues to erode the banks, leaving additional homes and structures vulnerable to being swept away, particularly in Copperville, about 6 miles southeast of Glennallen.

A flood advisory has been issued for other parts of the Copper River due to the rapid snowmelt and rising temperatures. As of this writing, the advisory is expected to expire on June 2.

The National Weather Service also says that minor flooding is occurring along portions of Lake Louise Road. The Gulkana River is also near or at bank-full, and to expect near bank-full conditions on other area rivers and streams, including the Copper River, due to snowmelt.

Glennallen has been experiencing flooding throughout May. On May 9, heavy snowmelt caused the normally mild Moose Creek to flood, spilling into many buildings, including the Library, Legislative Information Office, and Bureau of Land Management, and damaging homes and businesses. Several other communities throughout the state were impacted by ice jam flooding. Governor Mike Dunleavy has issued a disaster declaration that will allow for those impacted by the rising waters to apply for financial assistance.

Erosion is not covered by the state’s Individual Assistance Program, but homeowners in the Copper River Basin with damage from river erosion could still qualify for some portions of assistance. The deadline to apply before the July 12.

Residents can apply for assistance online at ready.alaska.gov or by calling (907) 428-7072 or (907) 428-7075.