A rush of water from a glacier is threatening flooding in Juneau, Alaska, for the third year in a row. The latest glacial outburst is occurring at Suicide Basin, which is releasing water into Mendenhall Lake and River. Local officials are advising people in the flooding zone to evacuate before waters rise significantly.
Glacial lake outbursts happen when melting ice and rain fill a lake until it spills over the glacier holding it back. This year’s outburst is linked to the Mendenhall Glacier and is expected to worsen conditions along the river. The National Weather Service has already issued a flood warning, predicting a notable rise in water levels.
As of Tuesday afternoon, the Mendenhall River was already at a moderate flood stage, and by Wednesday afternoon, it could reach record levels, surpassing last year’s peak. In August 2024, flooding caused major damage, impacting over 100 homes. That flood was termed “unprecedented” by local officials, with water levels rising a full foot higher than in 2023.
To address this, Juneau installed flood barriers in vulnerable areas. Despite the non-mandatory evacuation status, city authorities are urging residents to leave before the river peaks. Senator Lisa Murkowski has emphasized the potential danger, advising immediate action if evacuation is recommended.
Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a disaster preemptively, allowing the state to mobilize resources ahead of the expected flooding. The goal is to minimize damage and prioritize safety for residents. This proactive response is crucial given the city’s population of about 33,000, which is surrounded by water and vulnerable to flooding.
The increasing frequency of these glacial outbursts is closely tied to climate change. The Arctic is warming at double the global average, leading glaciers like Mendenhall’s to retreat rapidly. Melting ice transforms areas like Suicide Basin from frozen landscapes into potential flooding hazards each summer.
Recent research corroborates this trend, highlighting that in the last decade, Alaska’s glaciers have been retreating significantly due to warmer temperatures. This year, it’s again a stark reminder of the climate crisis many areas face as extreme weather events become more common.
For ongoing updates from local authorities, visit Juneau’s city website.
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