Chena Flood Control EarthCache

This cache has been archived.

Tundra-quad: No container. Earthcache. Someone is welcome to take over.

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Hidden : 4/8/2008
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1 out of 5

Size: Size: not chosen (not chosen)

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Geocache Description:

Welcome to the northernmost flood control project operated by the Army Corps of Engineers!

This earthcache is located at the Chena Flood Control Projects. Be sure to follow all rules for recreating with in the park. If just traveling to the dam there is no fee to visit. However, if you are going to visit other areas of the park a fee is required during the summer. Visit this web page to learn more:Chena Lakes

When entering the park look off to the left at the maintenance buildings. If you look closely you can see two earthern bunkers. These are the remains of Alpha battery, part of a Nike Missile TARE site. Today, one launch building remains in good condition and is used by the Corps for maintenance and storage. A warhead storage igloo is also still standing, and is used for boat storage. The second launch building is leased to the Fairbanks North Star Borough for the Chena Lakes Recreation Area. It is also used for storage and maintenance. Visit this web page to learn more. Site TARE

Continue into the park along the Main Rd to the visitor kiosk. This road parallels the Moose Creek Dike. Getting the gravel to build the dike is what created the lakes.

The purpose of Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project is to divert water from the Chena during periods of high flow. The flood of '67 was one of the worst flood disasters in Fairbank's history. In July of 1967 Fairbanks had received 3.34 inches of rain instead of the normal 1.84 inches. On August 15 the waters of the Chena did spill over the river's banks and rush into the city, homes and businesses. It destroyed basement furnaces, appliances and storage, creeping up to first floors, soaking flooring, furniture and belongings. Visible sewage, and garbage threatened disease. Six inches of rain had fallen in the five days before the river crested and spilled over at 18.6 feet. Seven people lost their lives and damages were in the millions.

Although the flood of '67 was due from record rainfall, past flooding was due to ice dams. Ice would build up into dams during spring break-up and cause flooding. This natural occurance would also dredge out the channel, keeping silt build up out of the river bottom. The flood control project has interupted this process and now dredging must be done to maintain a good water depth for boat navigation. Fairbanks is now safe from flooding, but when the water is diverted into the flood channel homes in North Pole near the project have flooded basements and crawl spaces due to the rise in the water table.

The top of the dam is also a popular location for salmon viewing. Large white panels are placed on the bottom of the river to aid the annual fish counts. Fish technicians typically count the salmon the first twenty minutes of every hour. When not occupied with the count they will usually be happy to talk with visitors. From the dam, kings have another 50 miles to go to reach their spawning beds.

Being an earthcache there is no actual log to sign. To get credit for this cache post a photo in your log to prove you have visited the site after this cache was developed. Prior visits will not be honored, sorry. Also in a separate e-mail answer the following questions:

1. When did construction begin and when was it operational?

2. When was the first time floodwaters were diverted from the Chena River?
These questions can be answered from reading the information posted at the kiosk.

3. Using the scale on the birdge abuttment, what was the level and date of the high water mark? If your visit is during the summer, what is the current depth of the river?

The Geological Society of America (GSA) EarthCache Project - Learn about the EarthCache Master Program: earn Bronze/Silver/Gold/Platinum status, with an EarthCache Master Pin awarded at each level!

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