Spring breakup is on the way, be prepared for flood risks
April 8, 2025
As winter fades and spring creeps into the air, many of us eagerly look forward outdoor activities, such as harvesting fiddleheads or subsistence bird hunting. For many regions in Alaska, the thawing of winter snow can bring risk.
Floods triggered by melting snow, often referred to as snowmelt floods or spring thaws, pose significant danger to both property and lives. As the snow melts, it can overwhelm rivers, streams and drainage systems, leading to rapid rises in water levels.
By taking proactive measures and preparing ahead of time, we can minimize the risks and protect ourselves, our families and communities from the impact of snowmelt floods. If your community has a Small Community Emergency Response Plan (SCERP), take time to review and familiarize yourself with it.
Comprehensive preparation can happen in stages:
One month before breakup
- Review your Small Community Emergency Response Plan.
- Ensure community members identified on your SCERP’s Incident Command System Organization Chart understand their roles and responsibilities.
- Make plans together as a community.
- Take inventories of at-risk equipment, such as generators and snowmachines.
- Secure fuel tanks to prevent them from floating away.
- Ensure emergency kits and gear are available.
Two weeks before breakup
- Stock up on food, water, medications and other personal emergency items.
- Connect with Elders and others who may need help.
- Start preparing essential facilities for possible flooding.
- Identify emergency response equipment, such as boats, personal floatation devices, sandbags, shovels and first aid kits.
Flood warning has been issued
- Flood-proof designated facilities.
- Familiarize yourself with your community’s emergency plan.
- Move items to higher ground, such as generators, four-wheelers, boats and snowmachines.
- Move items within your home to a higher level, such as canned and dry goods, potable water or anything you want to prevent damage.
- The River Watch Team will meet with local leaders when they visit your community.
Evacuation has been issued
- Move community members to designated shelter.
- Stay updated on the situation through official channels and adhere to any further instructions or updates provided by authorities.
- Bring personal supplies if possible and be prepared to share resources with others.
- Be prepared to gather essential items such as medications, important documents, clothing, food, and water quickly.
Monitor the following online resource sites for more information:
- Tanana Chiefs Conference Flood Preparedness Guide: https://www.tananachiefs.org/flood-preparedness/
- Alaska Department of Environmental Conservation Flood Preparation and Response: https://dec.alaska.gov/commish/disaster-recovery/flood-preparation-and-response/
- Statewide River and Breakup Conditions: https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/
- NOAA Breakup map: https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/breakupMap
- NWS River Watch Program: https://www.weather.gov/aprfc/riverWatchProgram