Eagle / Yukon River Ice Jam Disaster Event

Fueled by a 2008/2009 record-setting year long snowfall, and record high temperature in the space of a few days, the 2,300 mile Yukon River breakup created the worst flooding in the area in recorded history. On May 6th, the Yukon River hit its historic high, taking water to approximately 54 feet. Thirty-four feet is considered flood level. Icebergs the size of small houses broke over the banks of the Yukon, devastating the old town of Eagle. As the snow-melt water hit the ice jam, it gave way and surged into the village. The ice jam uprooted trees, pushed over a retaining wall, and continued its destructive path into the community of Eagle. Along the town’s Front Street, buildings were jacked off their foundations or crushed as the massive ice chunks slammed into town, leaving cabins and debris drifting in the swollen river. Villagers were able to escape but had to abruptly leave their homes and their possessions behind as they evacuated to higher ground.

Mission Road is now open!

The Detour Mat Road is closed as of 8/18/2009 and will not be reopened.