Unusually cold weather kept ice coverage in place on rivers across Alaska in spring 2023 with breakup much later than normal.  Ice started breaking up on the upper reach of the Kuskokwim River starting May 4th when ice started showing movement at Nikolai. Ice continued to melt, move and jam into late May.  A Flood Watch was issued for Red Devil on May 13 and additional flood watches continued to be issued as ice jam flooding continued to threaten communities downstream until the ice jam threat passed on the Kuskokwim River, May 22, 2023.  This episode covers the time from May 13 though May 18.  May 19-22 are covered in the next Kuskokwim Episode.

Flood in LOWER KUSKOKWIM VALLEY, ALASKA
From 13-MAY-23 11:01:00 to 13-MAY-23 18:33:00 (AKST-9)
Location: SLEETMUTE
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

An ice jam was reported by the NWS Riverwatch team located 5 miles downstream of Red Devil, AK which caused 12-18 inches of flood depth on the Red Devil Airstrip Runway.  4 feet deep floodwaters were reported in low lying sections of the Village of Red Devil.  Most homes were elevated.  Flooding was reported to be worst than 2022.  Ice jam cleared late in the day on 5/13/23.

Flood in LOWER KUSKOKWIM VALLEY, ALASKA
From 13-MAY-23 19:08:00 to 15-MAY-23 12:00:00 (AKST-9)
Location: CROOKED CREEK
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Riverwatch reported an ice jam below Crooked Creek, AK causing major flooding to the village.  All roads were impassable except by boat, water levels had risen to 12 ft. by the afternoon of 5/13 and 16 ft. By the morning of 5/14 , most builds were inundated with water and roads, including the bridge, were completely submerged and only accessible by boat. A portion of the runway was above water, so both the Riverwatch plane and Blackhawk helicopters were able to land in the village.

Flood in LOWER KUSKOKWIM VALLEY, ALASKA
From 15-MAY-23 18:08:00 to 16-MAY-23 09:33:00 (AKST-9)
Location: ANIAK
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Department of Highways

A 15 mile long ice jam moved from Crooked Creek downstream into the area around Napaimute through Birch Crossing which included the areas of Aniak and Chuathbaluk.  The ice jam flooded the Napaimute Airport on the evening of May 15.  Flooding then impacted the Napaimute airport with 4' of water in the hangars and surrounding homes and structures. Flooding continued to impact the Napaimute Airport through May 22, 2023. As the event progressed, high water spread downstream as the ice jam impounded water. High water and large chunks of ice inundated the Aniak airport on May 16, 2023.

Flood in LOWER KUSKOKWIM VALLEY, ALASKA
From 16-MAY-23 10:57:00 to 18-MAY-23 12:16:00 (AKST-9)
Location: ANIAK
Flood cause: Ice Jam
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

Ice jams on the Kuskokwim River flooded both Upper and Lower Kalskag on the Kuskokwim River.  Flooding was reported over numerous roads including the primary road between Upper and Lower Kalskag. Widespread flooding in the villages was reported with water impacting the Kalskag airport.