Report: Slight increase in flood potential this spring for Yukon, Kuskokwim rivers [Video]

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – As winter fades into the rearview, experts with the National Weather Service are looking ahead through the rest of spring with a forecast on this year’s river break-up, a phenomenon that can lead to serious ice jamming and flooding.

The Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center’s spring breakup outlook shows numerous villages have a low to moderate flood potential. Flooding on the Yukon River is considered moderate except for its flow through the eastern Interior, where a high risk is present. The Kuskokwim and Buckland Rivers are also at a moderate threat for flooding.

Spring breakup is very challenging and generally occurs through dynamic or thermal processes.

A dynamic breakup can lead to ice jams and flooding and usually occurs when there’s normal to above-normal snowpack and significant ice thickness. A cooler-than-normal weather pattern followed by a rapid rise in temperatures is a big contributor to this process. As temperatures quickly warm, snowmelt enters waterways while …