I have been speaking with elders in the community and they have never before seen the river break up that soon.
An ice jam caused by warming spring temperatures near the village of Buckland has left most of the town underwater and cut off access to the airport road. Residents of the village of about 400 people are preparing to evacuate by boat if water levels continue to rise.
Warm May temperatures are rapidly melting the above-average snowpack in the Kuskokwim Basin. Snowmelt is running in to still-stable river ice, causing ice jams and flooding near Napaimute.
In the earliest breakup since the contest began in 1917, the Nenana Ice Classic Tripod fell early this morning.
Early river break-up and low water
Earliest Tokositna River break up ever in Denali State Park.
No Permanent Winter Ice and Early Break Up For Nome
Observations From Members 