1967 Fairbanks flood

The 1967 Tanana Valley Flood or 1967 Fairbanks Flood was a severe flood that affected east-central Alaska in August of 1967. The city of Fairbanks, nearby Fort Wainwright, and Nenana saw record breaking water levels and widespread damage. Flooding was recorded over a large swath of the state, from Eagle on the east to Ruby on the west. Many major tributaries to the Yukon River saw flooding, including the Salcha, Chatanika, Tolovana, lower Tanana, and Birch Creek rivers. The worst flooding occurred in the White Mountains northeast of Fairbanks, although this area is sparsely populated.

All of Fairbanks was flooded, and more than 12,000 people were evacuated. Fairbanks and Nenana were declared national disaster areas. Six deaths were reported, along with damage exceeding $170 million. Due to repeated previous flood damage, the community of Minto relocated nearly 20 miles to the north after this flood.

As a result of the flood and to help prevent further disasters, stream and precipitation gauges were installed in the Chena River basin to monitor water levels. The U.S. Congress also approved the Flood Control act of 1968, authorizing the building of the Chena River Lakes Flood Control Project, which includes the Moose Creek Dam, the Tanana River Levee, and various drainage channels.