Tuesday, August 8, 2023
Record flooding in Juneau, Alaska, caused widespread destruction as a glacial outburst flood surged from Mendenhall Glacier over the weekend. This event marked the worst flooding since this recurring phenomenon began in 2011.
The Mendenhall River’s water levels reached historic heights, prompting a local emergency declaration. Heart-wrenching footage depicted homes collapsing into the torrential floodwaters, with two houses swept away and a third partially submerged. Even a condominium building suffered substantial damage. The river’s waters surged to nearly 15 feet, but although levels have since receded, officials caution against approaching the area due to its unstable conditions.
The flooding predominantly damaged private properties, and the City and Borough of Juneau condemned eight buildings after initial assessments. Furthermore, roadways remain obstructed by debris in the region, located approximately 10 miles north-northwest of downtown Juneau.
The cause of the unprecedented flooding can be attributed to the sudden release of water from Suicide Basin, an area fed by melting snow and ice from the receding Mendenhall Glacier. Although the basin releases water annually, this year’s event was substantially more severe than past occurrences, with a cascade of water, rain, snowmelt, and sediment surging through the area.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) explained that when water levels in Suicide Basin reach a critical point, the pressure forces water beneath the Mendenhall Glacier, causing a glacial outburst flood that drains into Mendenhall Lake.
Unfortunately, the outlook for cleanup efforts remains challenging. Meteorologists from AccuWeather forecast consistent rain throughout the week, possibly impeding post-flood restoration work. Dry weather is not projected to return until early next week, prolonging the recovery process for the affected areas around Juneau.
Tags: alaska, Juneau, Mendenhall Glacier
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