Varningar, Prudhoe Bay

Special Weather Statement issued June 9 at 3:35AM AKDT by NWS Fairbanks AK Sunshine and gradual warming continues over the N Slope and Brooks Range, with snowmelt continuing along with gradual rotting of river ice. Ice jams have progressed downstream past Horseshoe Bend, with water levels increasing around Horseshoe Bend. A small ice jam has formed at the Itkillik River confluence four miles upstream of Nuiqsut. Water levels on the Kuparuk River near Deadhorse have risen to near the minor flood stage of 35.5 feet. Water levels in the Colville River at Umiat have increased by 1.0 feet since yesterday with the flood stage beginning to enter action stage. The Sag River at Pump Station 3 is also experiencing higher water levels with it near minor flood stage of 20ft. These increased water levels are projected to move downstream in the coming days. These water levels could potentially continue to rise through the weekend. With the warmer temperatures expected this weekend we could see gradual snowmelt leading to increasing water levels on the Colville River, Kuparuk River, and the Sag River.