Women, children rescued near Jim Creek

BUTTE — High water isn’t exclusively plaguing homeowners this week.

Authorities rescued two 29-year-old women and children under 2 years old from the Jim Creek area along the Knik River about 3 a.m., Saturday after their ATVs became swamped, according to Alaska State Troopers dispatches.

Butte Fire Rescue, Mat-Su Borough Dive Rescue, and troopers responded with an airboat and rescued all parties. The women and children were treated for hypothermia at the scene and released, authorities said.

People on recreation trips should keep an eye on the weather, said trooper spokesperson Megan Peters.

“People should be mindful of the weather,” she said. “It’s a good idea to check the weather the day of your excursion and then for a few days preceding your excursion.”

Rain falling in previous days can still cause water levels to rise unexpectedly, even in familiar recreation areas, Peters said.

“Just because you’ve never seen the water levels go up doesn’t mean they can’t,” she said.