What's Happening?
Juneau officials have issued an urgent evacuation advisory for residents in flood-prone areas as glacial outburst flooding threatens the region. The flooding began on August 11, with the Mendenhall River expected to crest between 8 a.m. and noon on August 13,
reaching water levels between 16.1 and 16.55 feet. The flooding originates from Suicide Basin, where the ice dam of the Mendenhall Glacier has broken, releasing billions of gallons of water into the river. The City and Borough of Juneau, along with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, have prepared flood mitigation efforts, including the installation of HESCO barriers along the riverbanks. Approximately 5,000 residents in 1,900 homes are affected by the evacuation advisory.
Why It's Important?
The evacuation advisory highlights the ongoing challenges posed by glacial outburst flooding in Alaska, which can lead to significant property damage and pose risks to human safety. The situation underscores the importance of effective emergency management and flood mitigation strategies in regions susceptible to natural disasters. The deployment of HESCO barriers and other measures reflects efforts to protect communities from the destructive impact of flooding. The event also draws attention to the broader implications of climate change, as melting glaciers contribute to increased flooding risks.
What's Next?
Residents are advised to monitor updates from the city's Emergency Flood Response page and the National Weather Service's Suicide Basin monitoring page. The American Red Cross has established an emergency evacuation shelter at Floyd Dryden Gymnasium. Officials will continue to monitor the situation using livestreamed footage and drone imagery to detect any breaches in the HESCO barriers. In the event of a breach, a flash flood emergency alert will be issued, advising residents to shelter in place.
