News Release

Use Care near Streams and Rivers During Annual High-Water Event on the Kennicott River

Date: July 11, 2025
Contact: Wrangell St. Elias Visitor Center, 907-822-7250

COPPER CENTER, ALASKA – On the morning of July 10th, local observers noted that the level of Hidden Creek Lake has begun to fall. This is consistent with conditions that often precede the release of water into the Kennicott River. Residents and visitors should use caution if or when water rises and can get updates about river level from the US Geological Survey. These conditions can be dangerous for anyone on the Kennicott River or downstream rivers and streams such as the Chitina and Copper Rivers.

The high-water event is an annual Hidden Creek Lake outburst flood, called a jökulhlaup (an Icelandic word pronounced yo-KOOL-lahp). Hidden Creek Lake rises as water builds up in the area where it meets the Kennicott Glacier. For the outburst flood to occur, the lake must breach its dam and drain rapidly when it either causes its ice dam to float or causes large meltwater channels beneath the glacier to drain rapidly. This type of event causes increased flow at the Kennicott River, and other downstream waterways. 

The rivers of Wrangell-St. Elias offer a remote, backcountry experience, but require extreme caution due to the cold, glacially fed waters. Hypothermia is a danger even after a brief submersion, regardless of air temperature. Use a drysuit and a personal floatation device (PFD).

High water from the jökulhlaup coupled with water from recent warm temperatures and/or rain may also create hazards for backcountry travelers. Knowing how to cross rivers safely is essential for wilderness travel. Remember to choose the safest times of day, the safest place and method to cross, protect your feet, expect to get wet, and be prepared to respond in the case of an emergency.

Please use caution and care when boating or recreating on or near the Kennicott, Chitina, or Copper Rivers, as well as other streams and rivers in Wrangell-St. Elias National Park & Preserve.

To learn more, visit www.nps.gov/wrst or call the visitor center at [phone].