Sections of Juneau, Alaska, are preparing for potentially record-breaking floodwaters. Heavy rain and melting snow are flowing from a basin blocked by the Mendenhall Glacier. Some residents in vulnerable areas have evacuated, following urgent warnings from local officials: “Don’t wait, Evacuate TONIGHT.”
On Tuesday morning, authorities observed water escaping from the ice dam, leading to heightened flood risks expected to last through Wednesday. The National Weather Service anticipated that flooding would peak early Wednesday morning, raising alarms across the city.
The Mendenhall Glacier is about 12 miles from Juneau. This glacier is not just a beautiful landmark; it impacts the lives of about 30,000 residents nearby. Homes near Mendenhall Lake and along the Mendenhall River are particularly at risk. Nicole Ferrin, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service, stated, “This will be a new record,” based on analysis and forecasts.
Flooding from this area has become a yearly issue since 2011, with recent floods causing significant damage to homes. In fact, nearly 300 residences were impacted last year alone. Efforts to protect these homes included temporary barriers set up this year, as continued flooding remains a major concern.
The flooding happens when the smaller Suicide Basin, formed after a nearby glacier retreated due to climate change, fills with rainwater and snowmelt. When the basin overflows, water spills into Mendenhall Lake and down the Mendenhall River. Just before the water began to overflow, levels were rising rapidly—up to 4 feet in just one day.
The records keep climbing. In the last two years, the river crested at heights never seen before. Last August, it reached nearly 16 feet, surpassing the previous record. This year, experts expect it to exceed even that mark, potentially reaching up to 16.75 feet.
In a dramatic visual of last year’s floods, social media showed trees falling into the Mendenhall River as floodwaters eroded the bank. Eventually, homes close to the edge succumbed to the rushing water.
According to researchers from the University of Alaska Southeast, a large outburst from the glacier can unleash about 15 billion gallons of water, equivalent to nearly 23,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. During last year’s flooding, the river’s flow rate was about half that of Niagara Falls.
In response to rising concerns, Juneau officials worked with various agencies to build temporary levees along parts of the river. These levees include around 10,000 “Hesco” barriers, designed to safeguard over 460 homes during an 18-foot flood. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is now exploring long-term solutions, but progress has been slow, frustrating some residents.
Experts warn that these outburst floods could continue for decades, as the Mendenhall Glacier remains a crucial barrier. The glacier is expected to act as an ice dam for another 25 to 60 years, which means the community must stay prepared for future flooding events.
For comprehensive updates on climate-related issues, check the latest reports from trusted sources like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
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Glacier, Climate Change, Flooding, Alaska
