Weather Alert in Alaska

Flood Watch issued August 2 at 7:09AM AKDT until August 4 at 3:00PM AKDT by NWS Anchorage AK

AREAS AFFECTED: Lower Matanuska Valley; Sutton / Upper Matanuska Valley; Eureka / Tahneta Pass

DESCRIPTION: * WHAT...Flooding caused by excessive rainfall is possible. * WHERE...The lower Matanuska River near Butte and Palmer as well as small rivers and streams between Sutton and Eureka. * WHEN...Through Monday afternoon. * IMPACTS...Heavy rainfall will lead to rapid runoff and rises in small streams draining the steep terrain along the Glenn Highway between Sutton and Eureka. Landslides are possible in landslide-prone areas along this corridor. Significant runoff is also expected to raise water levels on the Matanuska River, with some locations approaching bankfull by early Sunday morning. River levels may approach or even exceed those observed in early July, with increased bank erosion expected along the lower Matanuska River. While water levels may rise in small streams and rivers across the Matanuska-Susitna Valley, flooding is not expected west of the lower Matanuska River. * ADDITIONAL DETAILS... - Rain will continue across the western Copper River Basin and northern Matanuska Valley Saturday morning through Sunday morning. As of 4 AM this morning, 1.00" to 1.25" inches of rain has already fallen across the area. An additional 0.50" to 1.00" of rain is possible through Sunday morning, with projected rainfall totals with this storm likely around 1 to 2 inches from Mendeltna to Sutton. Precipitation will be enhanced near terrain and along the northeast facing slopes of the Talkeetna and Chugach mountains. The heaviest rainfall is expected within the mountainous terrain along the Glenn Highway corridor between Sutton and Eureka. Ponding of water on roadways and erosion of unpaved surfaces is also possible. As of 4 AM Saturday morning, the Matanuska River at Palmer (MATA2) is at 16800 cfs and is expected to crest Sunday morning at 25100 cfs, which is below minor flood stage (30000 cfs). - Http://www.weather.gov/safety/flood - If you live near or along the Matanuska River, stay alert and be prepared to take action. - All residents on or near mountain slopes should be prepared for possible landslides.

INSTRUCTION: Persons living along streams should stay alert and be prepared to take action if a warning or advisory is issued, or flooding is observed. You should monitor later forecasts and be alert for possible Flood Warnings. Those living in areas prone to flooding should be prepared to take action should flooding develop. Stay tuned to further developments by listening to your local radio, television, or NOAA Weather Radio for further information. Reports on river conditions can be sent to the River Forecast Center by calling 1-800-847-1739

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Weather Topic: What is Snow?

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Snow is precipitation taking the form of ice crystals. Each ice crystal, or snowflake, has unique characteristics, but all of them grow in a hexagonal structure. Snowfall can last for sustained periods of time and result in significant buildup of snow on the ground.

On the earth's surface, snow starts out light and powdery, but as it begins to melt it tends to become more granular, producing small bits of ice which have the consistency of sand. After several cycles of melting and freezing, snow can become very dense and ice-like, commonly known as snow pack.

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Stratus clouds are similar to altostratus clouds, but form at a lower altitude and are identified by their fog-like appearance, lacking the distinguishing features of most clouds.

Stratus clouds are wider than most clouds, and their base has a smooth, uniform look which is lighter in color than a nimbostratus cloud. The presence of a stratus cloud indicates the possibility of minor precipitation, such as drizzle, but heavier precipitation does not typically arrive in the form of a stratus cloud.

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