Mat-Su

Roads expected to be reopened as Mat-Su river levels drop

Rain-swollen rivers and creeks in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough were slowly starting to recede Wednesday morning as borough officials weighed reopening closed roads.

Willow Creek, which threatened as many as 10 homes in Willow and eroded or overtopped several roads Tuesday, had dropped by about a foot as of 8 a.m. Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service. The creek rose as high as 11.1 feet Tuesday -- minor flooding starts at 10 feet -- and had dropped to 10.2 feet Wednesday morning.

Flooding on numerous waterways closed six roads Tuesday: Romano Avenue on the Talkeetna Spur Road; Oilwell Road in Petersville; and Burrow Street, Johnson Drive, Kenny Boulevard and Deneki Drive in Willow. The threatened homes and cabins in Willow are in the area of North Burrow Street and River-Aire Drive.

Borough public works crews were assessing road damage Wednesday morning and planned to take down barricades once they determined the roads were safe to travel, according to Terry Dolan, Mat-Su public works director.

Flooding was also reported along the Little Susitna River in Houston and near the base of the Talkeetna Mountains. The Little Susitna below the Hatcher Pass bridge dropped to 5.4 feet Wednesday morning after cresting at 6.7 feet Tuesday, the NWS reported. Flood stage is 6.5 feet.

Most creeks and rivers were expected to crest by Wednesday evening.

Zaz Hollander

Zaz Hollander is a veteran journalist based in the Mat-Su and is currently an ADN local news editor and reporter. She covers breaking news, the Mat-Su region, aviation and general assignments. Contact her at zhollander@adn.com.

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