While not as destructive as the 2009 break-up flood, the 2023 break-up did exhibit very high floodwaters that damaged properties along the Yukon River, including the public use cabins in the preserve. This page is for public information purposes and will be updated when new information is available.
Published 06-21-2023
Eagle Boat Launch: Updated with June 26 information
Aerial view of river ice at the Eagle boat launch, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
The Eagle boat launch is now currently usable, depending on the river water level and vehicle, trailer, and boat combination. The dirt ramp is deeply rutted in the center, but the left side is smoother, however, it drops off very steeply to the water's surface. Maintenance will possibly be done in the near future to return the entire ramp to use.
NPS/Josh Spice
Note the very steep angle of the truck (noticeable on truck topper) and boat to the water. Although almost floating the boat off the trailer, there was only one inch of freeboard on the boat's transom and the river bottom was continuing downward. If the river were any higher, the boat could have been launched without taking on water.
The other boat launch called "The Queen Landing" (in reference to the Yukon Queen boat that once brought tourists back-and-forth between Dawson and Eagle), is much flatter angle, but requires the vehicle to drive into the river to get the boat into enough water to be floated off the trailer. Beware of changing conditions at both boat launches. No other alternate sites currently exist in Eagle or Eagle Village, as they were also damaged by the breakup.
Nation Public Use Cabin
Aerial view of river ice remaining at the Nation Public Use Cabin shoreline, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
The shoreline in front of the Nation Public Use Cabin was heavily impacted by the 2023 breakup. Much of the forested land was eroded, leaving the cabin site much closer to the water's edge.
Glenn Creek Public Use Cabin
Aerial view of the Glenn Creek Public Use Cabin, showing remaining river ice, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
Glenn Creek Public Use Cabin sustained minor damage from ice on the cabin stairs, outhouse, and firewood shed.
Kandik Public Use Cabin
Aerial of the Kandik and Yukon Rivers confluence, showing high water and remaining river ice, May 15, 2023. Cabin site is in photo's center, on the near side of the conifer-forested peninsula.
NPS/Nick Thompson
Very high water and extensive remaining river ice at the Kandik-Yukon Rivers confluence.
Aerial view of the Kandik Public Use Cabin, showing remaining river ice, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
The Kandik Public Use Cabin was floated off its foundation approximately two feet and it appears the floodwater rose above the level of the cabin roof. The Superintendent has rescinded the previous closure of the Kandik Public Use Cabin, as stabilization efforts have allowed safe usage of the cabin for public purposes. Use general discretion when visiting this site.
The Kandik Public Use Cabin was moved off its foundation approximately two feet, June 12, 2023.
NPS/Don Corwin
Ice and floodwater moved the Kandik Public Use Cabin off its foundation approximately two feet.
Aerial view of river ice remaining on the Smith Public Use Cabin shoreline, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
The Smith Public Use Cabin site was significantly affected by the 2023 breakup. Ice removed some of the forest on the shoreline and floodwater floated the cabin off its foundation and turned it about 120 degrees to its original orientation.
Aerial view of the Smith Public Use Cabin, showing the cabin off its foundation and rotated, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
Floodwater lifted the Smith Public Use Cabin off its foundation, moving it approximately thirty feet and spinning it about 120 degrees to its original orientation. The cabin is in unsafe structural condition, closed to public use. Please use extreme caution at this site.
Floodwater damage at the Smith Public Use Cabin site, showing the cabin off its foundation, June 2, 2023.
NPS/Amy Larsen
The Smith Public Use Cabin was floated off its foundation approximately thirty feet and turned about 120 degrees. The cabin is in unsafe structural condition, closed to public use. The elevated cache is also dangerously leaning and should also be avoided.
Smith Public Use Cabin site showing the cabin moved off its foundation and rotated, June 2, 2023.
NPS/Amy Larsen
The Smith Public Use Cabin was floated off its foundation approximately thirty feet and turned about 120 degrees. The cabin is in unsafe structural condition, closed to public use. The elevated cache is also dangerously leaning and should also be avoided.
Smith Public Use Cabin site showing the cabin moved off its foundation and leaning cache in background, June 14, 2023.
NPS/Mel Flamme
The Smith Public Use Cabin was floated off its foundation approximately thirty feet and turned about 120 degrees. The cabin was originally built with the door seen in the photo facing the elevated cache. It is in unsafe structural condition, closed to public use. Note in photo, the elevated cache is dangerously leaning and should also be avoided.
A river boat on shore at the Smith Public Use Cabin site, showing the size of the remaining icebergs, June 14, 2023.
NPS/Mel Flamme
River icebergs are often as tall as a human and have incredible destructive power.
Circle City
Aerial view of river ice and damaged cabins along the shoreline at Circle City, May 15, 2023.
NPS/Nick Thompson
Circle City was hit hard by the 2023 breakup, flooding into the second story of structures far from the water's edge and heavily damaging or destroying cabins that were hit by the river ice. The boat launch was also damaged, but has since been repaired.
