Taiya River flooding has submerged parts of the Chilkoot Trail (Photo courtesy of the National Parks Service)
The National Weather Service issued a flood warning Friday for the Taiya River in Dyea, after the river swelled to 17.5 feet. Later on Friday afternoon the Taiya River was reported at 19.2 feet. The forecast now calls for light rain Saturday afternoon into Sunday, with no more major precipitation expected.
Park Service representatives say there are three hikers stranded at Finnegan’s Point, but they are safe. Park Rangers and staff are nearby.
There is no evacuation order as of Friday at 4 p.m. Law enforcement is advising Dyea residents to monitor conditions closely and head to Skagway if flooding becomes more severe. No mudslides or washouts have been reported. There is a front loader stationed in Dyea if rescues become necessary.
The Department of Transportation says it’s working to keep roads clear and open.
The flooding has submerged parts of the Chilkoot Trail with hazardous, waist-deep water. That prompted the trail to be closed for hiker safety, according to a statement from the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. Both the municipal campground on the Dyea flats and the National Park Service campgrounds are closed for the weekend due to the flooding.
The Skagway River is still two feet below the top of the dike, but if it crests could affect Seven Pastures or Yakutania Point.
In Haines, there is a flood watch in effect through Friday evening, especially the Chilkat River near Klukwan.
