The Fortymile is jammed at the mouth where it encounters the Yukon.  Photo taken May 15, 2001

Ice jam at Pickerel Slough.  Photo taken May 15, 2001

Ice jam remaining in front of Eagle.  Photo taken May 14, 2001

Ice jam remaining in front of Eagle.  Photo taken May 14, 2001

Ice jam near Calico Bluff.  Photo taken May 15, 2001

Following the last significant flood in 1992, Fort Yukon received $1 million to build this dike in town as a protective measure from future flood emergencies. Fortunately, the dike has not been tested by high flood waters since its construction.

Following the last significant flood in 1992, Fort Yukon received $1 million to build this dike in town as a protective measure from future flood emergencies. Fortunately, the dike has not been tested by high flood waters since its construction.

A ribbon of water running along the shores of Circle is a sign of the ice reaching a crowning phase and is also an indication of approaching breakup. Circle residents expect break up to occur in the next two weeks, approximately.

A ribbon of water running along the shores of Circle is a sign of the ice reaching a crowning phase and is also an indication of approaching breakup. Circle residents expect break up to occur in the next two weeks, approximately.

These sheet pilings in Galena are pummeled annually by water and large chunks of ice during break up. Frequently, the water exceeds the height of the pilings and spills over onto the roads.

Mike Bird, Alaska Division of Emergency Services, gives a presentation about river break up, ice formation, and flooding to the local school children in Eagle. The presentation is composed of ice and flood photos from past years on the Yukon and Kuskokwim Rivers. ADES uses this slide show to demonstrate the benefits of flood preparation and mitigation, as well as teach the science behind the nature of break up.

Just up the Yukon River from Eagle, some river ice is beginning to break up. Eagle locals expect break up in town to start by the second week of May.

In Eagle Village, situated just down river from Eagle, some homes are located dangerously close to the shore. Erosion along the shoreline has brought the mighty Yukon River ever closer to their doorsteps. Residents of Eagle Village still remember their last flood in 1992; some say this years' weather conditions are much the same.

A retaining wall along the Eagle shoreline keeps the Yukon River at bay while protecting the shore from erosion. Most structures in Eagle are much further above the shore than at neighboring Eagle Village.

This metal conduit in Galena was built to protect the utility lines from flood waters after the original wood conduit deteriorated.

This hairpin turn in the Yukon River between Galena and Koyukuk is a frequent location of ice jams, when during break up the ice pans turn sideways and cannot flow around the tight corner. During Riverwatch, officials keep a close eye on this and other similar bends in the rivers for potential flood hazards.

This hairpin turn in the Yukon River between Galena and Koyukuk is a frequent location of ice jams, when during break up the ice pans turn sideways and cannot flow around the tight corner. During Riverwatch, officials keep a close eye on this and other similar bends in the rivers for potential flood hazards.

In Koyukuk, high water marks and building elevations are plainly displayed on the side of the Washeteria for all residents to note which locations in town are above or below the flood hazard levels.

Peter Demoski, Tribal Administrator for Nulato, tries out DES' Iridium telephone. John Clifton, DES Communication Technician, provided instruction to the city and tribal workers in the use of the various communication systems on hand.

This aerial view of the old town side of Nulato shows the drastic elevation drop from the airfield to the townsite (upper left corner of photo). Old Nulato is extremely close to the Yukon River; the newer parts of town have been built much further up land - out of the way of break up floods.

Wanice Cowles, Emergency Management Specialist of DES talks with an "elder in training" Maryanne Immanak, the Mayor of Emmonak about procedures in case of a flood emergency.

The Alakanuk Post Office sits closely to the Yukon River. The post office may be relocating to another part of town.

The Alakanuk National Guard Armory

The DES Kusko Team discusses emergency procedures with community leaders in Kwethluk.

Akiachuk from the air.

Christian Allen testing data transfer over a satellite connection.

Aerial photo of the confluence of the Yukon and Koyukuk rivers.