Flooding of unprecedented proportions threatens an Alaska city as water bursts from a dam created by a glacier
In the heart of Alaska, the city of Juneau is currently battling against unprecedented floodwaters. The Mendenhall Glacier's Suicide Basin, a reservoir formed by the glacier, has been releasing a torrent of rainwater and snowmelt, leading to a historic flood event.
As of the latest updates, the Mendenhall River reached a major flood stage of around 16.65 feet, surpassing the previous record of 15.99 feet set in 2024. Floodwaters were expected to begin receding by Thursday, August 14. Residents in flood zones have been advised to evacuate, with warnings issued for the lake and river areas.
The peak flooding was forecasted to occur between 8 a.m. and noon on Wednesday, August 13, but water levels have been dropping since the river crested at 16.65 feet. While the situation remains critical, the floodwaters are expected to fall below flood stage by the end of the week.
To mitigate potential damage and ensure public safety, several measures have been put in place. Evacuation advisories have been issued for residents in flood-prone areas. Flood barriers are in place, although water has been observed seeping around them. Alaska Electric Light & Power (AEL&P) cut power to parts of the Mendenhall Valley to ensure safety as floodwaters rose.
The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in collaboration with local authorities, is providing real-time monitoring of the Mendenhall River conditions to help manage the flood response. Continuous updates and press briefings are being held to inform the public about the flooding status and planned actions.
Last year, the flow rate in the Mendenhall River was about half that of Niagara Falls. Researchers from the University of Alaska Southeast and Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center estimate that a large outburst can release some 15 billion gallons of water, equivalent to nearly 23,000 Olympic-size swimming pools. Officials have urged evacuation for some parts of Juneau due to a potential record surge of floodwater.
The University of Alaska Southeast and Alaska Climate Adaptation Science Center have stated that outburst floods are expected to continue as long as the Mendenhall Glacier acts as a dam. In some years, there has been limited flooding of streets or properties near the lake or river. However, in severe cases, flooding from the basin has swept away houses and swamped hundreds of homes.
City officials installed a temporary levee along roughly 2.5 miles of riverbank this year to guard against widespread flooding. The levy, consisting of about 10,000 four-foot (1.2-meter) tall barriers, is intended to protect over 460 properties. The Mendenhall Glacier is expected to act as an ice dam for another 25 to 60 years, potentially continuing the risk of outburst floods.
During especially sunny or rainy days, the water level in the basin was rising rapidly, up to 4 feet per day. Nicole Ferrin, a National Weather Service meteorologist, stated that this flood event will likely set a new record. The threat of glacier outburst flooding has troubled parts of Juneau since 2011.
Elsewhere, a wildfire near Newfoundland's largest city has led to evacuations and has been gaining ground amid dry, windy conditions. Meanwhile, Canada is committing $45.7M to wildfire research to help assess risk and develop adaptive forestry practices.
As we navigate these challenging times, it's crucial to stay informed and heed the advice of local authorities. Let's hope for a swift resolution to the flood crisis in Juneau and for the safety of all those affected.
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