The National Weather Service reports that, based on rising river levels and satellite observations, the Snow Glacier Dammed Lake has begun to release. Water levels on the river just upstream of Kenai Lake have risen 3 feet over the last week.
Typically the Snow glacier dammed lake releases every other year. With the last release in 2019, a release this fall is unexpected.
Current water level on the Snow River is 9.7 feet. Water levels are expected to continue to rise an additional 2-3 feet on the Snow River and crest on Tuesday. At this time we do not expect water levels to reach flood stage, but there is always uncertainty with glacial dammed lake releases. Residents near the Snow River and living around Kenai Lake should monitor local conditions and prepare for rising water levels.
The current water level on the Kenai River at Cooper Landing is 8.1 feet. Water levels on Kenai Lake and the Upper Kenai River have just started to rise and are expected to continue to rise another 1 to 3 feet through the middle of the week. Water levels on the Lower Kenai River will begin to rise on Tuesday and crest about 1-2 feet higher towards the end of the week.
