Glacial Dam Release Triggers Evacuations in Juneau, Alaska
A glacially-dammed basin in Suicide Basin, near Juneau, Alaska, has released, causing significant water flow into the Mendenhall Lake and River. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued evacuation notices for residents in the Mendenhall Valley flood zone. Water levels in the Mendenhall River are rising rapidly, with the crest expected to reach between 16.1 and 16.6 feet on Thursday morning, nearing last year’s record of 16.65 feet. Officials have set up HESCO barriers and sump pumps to mitigate flooding, but the risk of barrier breaches remains. Residents are urged to finalize evacuation plans as the situation develops. The water level in Suicide Basin has dropped by 25 feet since the release began, but the flow into the river continues to accelerate. (Source time: Wed, 12 Aug 2026 01:25:10 GMT) 
