Leveraging UAS Imagery to Support the River Watch Program in Alaska

Flooding frequently triggers disaster declarations in Alaska, particularly during the spring breakup of frozen rivers when ice jams can cause significant upstream flooding. The spring of 2023 saw a record-breaking breakup flood season, leading to a federal disaster declaration for numerous communities, with the 2024 season also experiencing significant flooding in parts of the state.

To warn residents of potential ice jams and flooding, the Alaska-Pacific River Forecast Center (APRFC) partners with the Alaska State Emergency Operations Center in the River Watch program. This cooperative initiative involves the National Weather Service, the State of Alaska Emergency Management, and local communities, providing aerial reconnaissance of the rivers during breakup to deliver real-time updates.

Recently, APRFC began using Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) imagery to complement traditional aerial reconnaissance from fixed wing aircraft. Over the past three seasons, certified UAS pilots from the APRFC have used this imagery while on the ground in remote villages to assess ice jam potential and flood damage. UAS imagery taken during River Watch has been featured by national news, shared on social media, and used to improve situational awareness and coordinate hazardous material cleanup during floods. The technology also provided near real-time updates to community and tribal leaders, proving invaluable during the stressful breakup period.

The use of UAS during River Watch has highlighted how small UAS can support the Service’s mission of providing critical data, forecasts, warnings, and impact-based decision support services to protect life and property and enhance the national economy.