Rising water levels are possible in local communities this week, according to a special weather statement from the National Weather Service on Monday.
The statement says that cold temperatures in Kenai, Soldotna, Homer, Cooper Landing and other areas of the state could result in “significant river rises and higher than normal water levels” if ice dams form on streams or rivers that still have sections of open water.
The statement cautions residents to “monitor your local streams and be prepared for high water.” The statement is in effect through Sunday, when temperatures are expected to return to normal.
Areas of high water will be difficult to pinpoint because the conditions are so acutely localized, the statement says. “Known trouble spots” should be carefully watched.
The notice comes as cold air is moving through Southcentral Alaska with an upper level trough of low atmospheric pressure, according to the service’s forecast discussion. The discussion says that Monday night may be the coldest of the season so far — a low of –19 degrees was forecast for Soldotna as of Monday afternoon. Temperatures are expected to remain below zero in the area through the week.
For updated forecasts and warnings, visit weather.gov/afc.
Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.
