Napaskiak
LATEST NEWS
Alaska governor issues disaster declaration for areas affected by flooding from breakup of river ice
ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Gov. Mike Dunleavy has issued a state disaster declaration for southwest Alaska communities that have experienced flooding due to the spring breakup of river ice and snowmelt. Water surrounded some homes in low-lying areas of the regional hub of Bethel, while much of Kwethluk was...
Kuskokwim River breakup floods roads, impacts drinking water for some communities
Ice jams from breakup on the Kuskokwim River are causing high water to inundate many lower river communities. As of Thursday, there had not been any reported flooding impacts to structures like homes or businesses, but some roads are covered with water and it’s affected at least two villages’ drinking water.
Ice jam holds floodwaters in place for multiple lower Kuskokwim communities
On May 10, a gravel intersection in Bethel’s Alligator Acres neighborhood became a makeshift port for an odd assortment of canoes, kayaks, and skiffs to shuttle residents – like Brian Jackson and his daughter Abigail – to and from their homes. “It seems to have turned into...
NWS issues flood watch for Kwethluk, with ice still jammed below Kalskag
The National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for the area around Kwethluk, in effect through Tuesday afternoon. When the ice jam in the Kalskag area breaks, a pulse of water will flow downstream, and National Weather Service Hydrologist Johnse Ostman says it could impact communities downstream of Kalskag, including Tuluksak, Akiak, Akiachak and Kwethluk.
Widespread high water and flooding continues for lower Kuskokwim communities
Kwethluk remains on flood warning, while Bethel and lower Kuskokwim communities are on flood advisory as the river swells over its banks. National Weather Service Hydrologist Johnse Ostman said on KYUK morning show Coffee at KYUK on Thursday (May 9) that high water is widespread throughout the lower Kuskokwim region.
Community slideshow: 2024 Kuskokwim River breakup flooding
A quick-moving and early breakup on the upper Kuskokwim River led to widespread flooding in lower-river communities. Breakup on the Kuskokwim began in Nikolai, a day or so ahead of the average for that community. Ice degraded quickly as the ice front moved downriver. Breakup slowed as ice jammed in...
Bethel Braces as Kuskokwim River Floods; Marina, Gas Station Submerged
There are reports of flooding coming out of Bethel. The Alaska Department of Transportation and Public Facilities posted pictures to Facebook showing the overflowing Kuskokwim River. The Brown Slough area of Bethel is reported to be most affected with a marina and gas station flooded.
As Kwethluk remains flooded, the end of historic breakup in sight for downriver communities
The National Weather Service reports that a large ice jam below Napakiak has moved downriver and is showing signs of breaking up, alleviating serious concerns for multiple lower Kuskokwim communities. “It looks rotten, it looks weak. You can see where the breakup front is, it's kind of chewing its way...
A utility room under Mertarvik’s public school is full of raw sewage
Two of the only flush toilets in the village of Mertarvik are in the temporary public school building, but their use is limited. All day long, kids come and go from the building, crunching through slushy spring snow on their way to their houses so they can use the “bathroom” at home.
For one Utqiaġvik family, spring bowhead whaling marks an important milestone
For the Aaluk Crew, last Wednesday (April 24) was cooking day. The night before, the whaling crew, captained by Bernadette and Quincy Adams, had landed the first bowhead whale of Utqiaġvik’s spring season. The crew flag, featuring a harpooned bowhead tail framed by a sunset, waved above the Adams’ two-story home, signaling the successful hunt.
Bethel hires new chief of police
At its May 14 meeting, Bethel City Council appointed James Harris the new Bethel Chief of Police. He is scheduled to begin on July 1. Harris spoke to KYUK in early May, prior to his hiring, while on a five-day visit to Bethel. “I've met with a lot of a...
GCI president travels to Bethel to deliver update on regional fiber internet project
As early as this fall, Bethel internet users will be among the first with the chance to to tap into a new fiber optic network that promises urban speeds and pricing for customers in a vast swath of Western Alaska. Technicians recently found a late winter window to lay the...
Listen: Bethel’s emergency housing shelter closes for the summer
Bethel Winter House, the local emergency winter housing shelter, closed on April 30. It was open for seven months, beginning October 1. But while Winter House is shuttered, the new Atsaq Place Permanent Supportive Housing project is just getting started. Winter House Executive Director Jaela Milford sat down with KYUK’s...
McGrath ice tripod falls as breakup inches down the Kuskokwim
The Kuskokwim River at McGrath, where the 2024 Ice Tripod fell at 1:55 p.m. on May 1, 2024. Breakup continues to inch down the Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers. On the Kuskokwim, the McGrath ice tripod fell on Wednesday (May 1) at 1:55 p.m. – around three days earlier than its recent breakup average. Downriver, ice has shifted in several communities, including Crooked Creek, Sleetmute and Napaimute.
Culvert washout prompts Tundra Ridge Road closure
In response to a washed-out culvert, the City of Bethel and state transportation officials urge travelers to steer clear of Tundra Ridge Road, informally known as Polk Road, until construction of a new gravel road is completed, likely around the end of summer. On Monday (April 29), pooling meltwater had...
Welcome to NewsBreak, an open platform where diverse perspectives converge. Most of our content comes from established publications and journalists, as well as from our extensive network of tens of thousands of creators who contribute to our platform. We empower individuals to share insightful viewpoints through short posts and comments. It’s essential to note our commitment to transparency: our Terms of Use acknowledge that our services may not always be error-free, and our Community Standards emphasize our discretion in enforcing policies. We strive to foster a dynamic environment for free expression and robust discourse through safety guardrails of human and AI moderation. Join us in shaping the news narrative together.