Chena Flood Control Project

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North Pole, AK
Chena Flood Control Project

Welcome to the northernmost flood risk mitigation project operated by the Corps of Engineers in North Pole. Army or the Department of Defense.

Providing visitors a myriad of recreational opportunities on nearly 20,000 acres of public land. While this is an open forum, it's also family-friendly, so please keep your comments and wall posts clean. In addition to keeping it family-friendly, we ask that you follow our posting guidelines here. If you don't comply, your message will be removed:

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bscene, explicit, or racial comments or submissions, nor do we allow comments that are abusive, hateful, or intended to defame anyone or any organization.

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-You participate at your own risk, taking personal responsibility for your comments, username, and any information provided. Any appearance of external links on this site does not constitute any official endorsement by the U.S.

03/17/2026

🍀 Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the Moose Creek Dam 🍀

No pots of gold out here—just a lot of snow, ice, and a system built to protect the Interior.

As we move closer to spring breakup, Moose Creek Dam stands ready to do its job—holding back floodwaters from the Chena River and helping protect Fairbanks when it matters most. What looks quiet today is part of a much bigger system working behind the scenes year-round.

In Alaska, we don’t rely on luck—we rely on preparation, experience, and a respect for the land and water.

If you’re out enjoying the longer daylight today, take a moment to appreciate the river, the landscape, and the work that goes into keeping our communities safe.

🍀 Stay safe. Stay prepared. 🍀

02/24/2026

Flat light conditions are present in recreation areas today, reducing visibility and depth perception. Terrain changes, ice, and snow berms may be difficult to see.

Please slow down, use caution, and be aware of your surroundings while recreating.

Stay safe and recreate responsibly.

02/09/2026

Wildlife Detectives!!!

Can you spot the snowshoe hare in this photo?

A red fox has cached its recent catch—an important natural behavior that helps wildlife survive Interior Alaska winters. Moments like this highlight the diverse wildlife that lives alongside the Chena Flood Control Project and our community.

Take a close look and comment when you find

02/03/2026

Last week, 4th and 5th grade students at Hunter Elementary became Wildlife Detectives through a hands-on STREAM Camp hosted by the Chena Flood Control Project.

Park Ranger Dalton Silvis and Park Manager Jessica Prince guided students through how to identify Interior Alaska wildlife using real clues animals leave behind—tracks, s**t, feeding signs, and habitat features.

Students practiced observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving while learning how science and wildlife management connect to the landscapes around them.

Thank you to the students and staff at Hunter Elementary for an engaging and successful week of learning.

12/19/2025

Holiday Hours for Chena Flood Control Project Visitor Center

The Chena Flood Control Project Visitor Center will be closed for the holidays on the following dates:

December 24 - December 28

January 1

These closures are in accordance with a new executive order.

The visitor center will be open for its normal hours on all other days. Our regular hours are Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

We invite you to escape the cold and enjoy the warmth of our impressive masonry heater while you discover the fascinating story of the project.

We apologize for any inconvenience and wish everyone a safe and happy holiday season.

12/17/2025

BRRR! 🥶 Winter has arrived at the Chena Flood Control Project!

Before you head out to enjoy the winter wonderland, here are your 3 must-know safety tips:

🧥 LAYER UP: More layers are better than one thick one. Don't forget your hat and gloves!
🧊 CHECK THE ICE: Ice is never 100% safe. Be aware of the thickness and conditions.
📝 MAKE A PLAN: Always tell someone where you're going and when you'll be back.

Stay warm and enjoy the beauty of the season safely!

12/12/2025

Happy Holidays from all of us at the Chena Flood Control Project Visitor Center! ❄️

We invite you to come and explore the visitor center and the beautiful surrounding at the Chena Lake Flood Control Project.

Our winter hours are:

Monday - Thursday: 7:30 AM - 3:30 PM

Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:30 PM

Federal Holidays: Closed

Step inside the visitor center to learn about the incredible history of the Moose Creek Dam and the vital role it plays in protecting Fairbanks. The project was authorized by Congress after the historic 1967 flood, which caused millions of dollars in damage and led to seven deaths.

The 8-mile-long dam can divert floodwaters from the Chena River to the Tanana River, keeping Fairbanks safe.

But the project is more than just a feat of engineering! The 20,000-acre public lands offer a wide range of recreational opportunities, from hiking and biking on the 5-mile paved trail to cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and even skijoring in the winter.

You might even spot some local wildlife like moose, ptarmigan, or a fox!

We hope to see you soon!

12/02/2025

**🌲 SHARE THE TRAILS — CHENA FLOOD CONTROL PROJECT 🌲**

The Chena Flood Control Project is a **multi-use area**, and we want everyone to enjoy it safely. As winter activities pick up, please remember to **share the trails** and stay aware of other users.

🐾 **Dog Walkers:**
Trapping season is now open. Please stay alert and keep an eye on your pets—**traps can injure or kill dogs**.
• **All pets must be on a 6-foot leash** while in any day-use area or on **groomed trails**.
• Dogs **may be off-leash in the floodway** at the owner’s own risk.
• Dogs may be walked **using a vehicle only along Moose Creek Landing Road**.
Please stay aware of your surroundings and stick to groomed or plowed trails when possible.

🦊 **Trappers:**
Please remember that the Chena Project has regular dog-walking traffic on groomed and plowed routes. **All terrestrial traps must be set at least 50 yards from any groomed or plowed trail or road.** Your cooperation helps keep everyone safe and maintains responsible multi-use access for all.

Let’s work together to keep the Chena Flood Control Project safe and enjoyable for every user.
**Share the trails. Respect each other. Stay safe.** 🌲

11/20/2025

🚧 **We're Hiring! Join the Chena Flood Control Project Team!** 🚧

Are you looking for a new opportunity in the heart of maintaining vital infrastructure? We're seeking two key positions to help keep the Chena Flood Control Project running smoothly:

👷 **Maintenance Worker**
🔧 **Equipment Operator**

**What We Offer:**

* Competitive pay and benefits
* A dynamic, team-oriented work environment
* The opportunity to contribute to important flood control and environmental projects in our community

**What We’re Looking For:**

* Strong work ethic and dedication
* Ability to work outdoors in a variety of conditions
* Experience with maintenance or heavy equipment operation is a plus
* Passion for contributing to the community and making a lasting impact

📅 **Interested? Apply Now!**
Either scan the QR code below oruse the links to access USA Jobs to apply.

Let’s work together to ensure the safety and protection of our community from flooding.**

11/19/2025

Off-Road Use is Open!

We're excited that it is that time of the year again. The Chena Flood Control Project lands are now available for off-road vehicle use, from November 7, 2025 - March 31, 2026. This area is a fantastic spot to ride, but we need everyone's cooperation to maitain the integrity of the flood control system.

Please Adhere to These Critical Safety Rules:

1. Use Designated Crossings: Always cross Laurance Road the the dam at the marked designated crossing points. Crossing the dam in other areas could cause damage to the dam.

2. Protect the Dam Structure: DO NOT side hill the dam or leeve. Side hilling causes erosion, weakens the structure and leads to costly, time-consuming repairs that compromise our flood readines.

Enjoy your visit and thank you for being responsible stewards of the Chena Flood Control Project.

Address

3800 Laurance Road
North Pole, AK
99705

Website

https://www.poa.usace.army.mil/Locations/Chena-River-Lakes-Flood-Control-Project/

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