Emergency officials are warning of the possibility of flooding in the Chilkat Valley.
In response to heavy rainfall across the region, the National Weather Service in Juneau issued a flash flood watch across much of the Upper Lynn Canal. That includes the communities of Skagway, Haines, Klukwan, Hoonah, Gustavus, Tenakee Springs, and parts of British Columbia. For most communities the flood watch is in effect through Monday evening. But in the Chilkat Valley, it expires early Tuesday morning.
The weather service warns of excessive runoff that could result in flooding of rivers, creeks, streams, other low-lying areas and flood-prone locations. Creeks and streams could also rise out of their banks.
Area creeks and streams are running high and could flood with more heavy rain. Haines police issued a Nixle alert this morning saying the Chilkat River around Mile 14 and 24 along the Haines Highway could see minor flooding as it had reached the flood stage of 126 feet.
It’s expected to crest around 126.2 feet Monday afternoon, according to the alert. That means there could be flooding near the Jilkaat Kwaan Cultural Heritage Center in Klukwan as well as impacts to some smokehouses and a river access road.
There are also warmer temperatures in high elevations that could lead to more snow and ice melt in the glacier-fed rivers.
There is potential for the heavy rain to continue into Monday evening. Stream flows could rise rapidly making hazardous conditions for kayakers and rafters. Additionally, ongoing rains could swamp boats, so the weather service warns mariners to check their vessels.
The weather service has also issued a small craft advisory for the northern Lynn Canal through Monday afternoon.