State crews began urgent Matanuska River flood repairs Sunday after powerful erosion caused significant damage near Maud Road. The river broke through a decades-old revered early Saturdays, ending floodwaters into nearby properties and covering parts of the bike path.
According to Mat-Su Borough officials, flooding affected roughly 10 homes or structures between miles 13 and 15 of the Glenn Highway. Water surged within feet of the highway, though no evacuation orders were issued over the weekend.
Sandbags helped protect some homes and businesses from advancing water around midday Sunday. Much of the bike path had dried by Sunday morning, but river flow remained dangerously high.
The National Weather Service reported that the Matanuska River was expected to crest at 24,000 cubic feet per second before decreasing under cooler temperatures this week. The Alaska Department of Transportation deployed contractors to stabilize about 100 feet of riverbank above Maud Road.
Crews must build a gravel road through a 300-yard stretch to bring heavy equipment. The process involves cutting down several trees and clearing land between the high and riverbank. Workers from Matanuska Electric Association were also on-site Sunday, holding electrical poles in place as flood water surged through a right-of-way along the bike path. Officials stressed the urgency of the response since the flooding posed a risk to the high and nearby electrical infrastructure.
Emergency manager Casey Cook confirmed the borough would rebuild the damaged portion of Maud Road once the state finishes the flood repairs. The temporary revetment will protect the area through the season, but long-term stabilization will require additional funding and Army Corps coordination.
