40 miles of open water in Upper Kuskokwim

A Flood Watch remains in affect for Sleetmute as a jam below the village could bring high water. A River Watch team, including Selena Van Breukelen, a hydrologist with the National Weather Service, flew the middle and upper river Tuesday evening from Birch Crossing to Devil’s Elbow.

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Breukelen is conducting daily aerial surveys as part of the River Watch program. Along with her is Karl Edwards an Emergency Management Specialist with the State.

“At this point, preparedness is the best method of action,” Edwards said. “Making sure that they have flushing water available, drinking water available in case their village does flood quickly. Snow machines, vehicles put on high ground. And familiar with their neighbors to make sure that they’re also taken care of in the event that a flood comes quickly, they can also help their neighbors out. If you’re ready, then you can help others.”

Today, the River Watch plans to fly up to Mcgrath to continue monitoring break up in the upper Kuskokwim.
Tune into KYUK news Thursday morning at 8:15 a.m. for a live report with them.

You can also view photos of the breakup at the Bethel Search and Rescue website.