May 18, 2023
A prolonged period of well-below-average spring temperatures combined with an above-average winter snowpack created a dynamic breakup of the Kobuk River. This resulted in numerous ice jams. April temperatures were well below normal, and when temperatures began to warm in early May, it melted the low-elevation snowpack quickly. Because of the relatively quick addition of snowmelt onto strong ice, the ice was more susceptible to jamming and floods.
Source: NOAA National Weather Service Storm Events Database (event 1105222). Narrative written by NWS staff at the time of the event.
This event is one of many recorded floods in Upper Kobuk And Noatak Vlys County. See the full FEMA flood zone map, NFIP claim totals, and disaster history for the area.