Update Sept. 3: A flood watch issued Tuesday by the National Weather Service was canceled on Wednesday.

The watch had been issued because rising waters seemed to indicate that a glacier dam near Skilak Lake had released. An update from the service on Wednesday says that “confidence has increased that the recent rise in the Kenai River is not due to the release fo the Skilak Glacier Dammed Lake.” That said, the update notes that the lake is due for a release soon, because it typically releases every two years during the fall and last released in September 2023. The service encourages residents to remain prepared to respond when the glacier dam does release.

Original story: The National Weather Service on Tuesday issued a flood watch for low-lying areas near the Kenai River including the Kenai Keys, as a glacier dam near Skilak Lake “is likely releasing” and will cause a steady increase in water levels through Sunday morning.

Per a message from the service published Tuesday morning, flooding is likely to be caused by a combination of a releasing glacier dam and “recent significant rain” in the upper Kenai River basin. Rising water levels are expected to be observed from the outlet of Skilak Lake to the mouth of the Kenai River.

The recent rains, the release says, are causing uncertainty with determining when the glacier dam began to release; aerial reconnaissance is planned for this week to confirm both whether the dam has released and to what extent. The service recommends people living in areas prone to flooding to be prepared to take action and monitor for updated forecasts and possible flood warnings.

Flooding of the Kenai Keys, issues with boat docks, and an extended period of high water, the release says, “is likely.” Increases of 2 to 2.5 feet are projected for most areas of the river, which may cause flooding of other nearby creeks and streams.

For updated weather forecasts, visit weather.gov/afc.

Reach reporter Jake Dye at jacob.dye@peninsulaclarion.com.