Representatives from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Alaska District and the City and Borough of Juneau (CBJ) will host a public information session today on a technical study aimed at reducing flood risk in the Mendenhall Valley.
The event is scheduled from 6 to 8 p.m. Alaska Standard Time at Thunder Mountain Middle School. USACE officials will present the latest findings from an ongoing $4.75 million federally funded study of glacial lake outburst floods before holding a question-and-answer session.
The study is focused on assessing hydrology, hydraulics, geology and economic conditions to determine potential long-term solutions for mitigating flooding in the valley, one of Juneau’s most densely populated areas.
Representatives from CBJ, Tlingit & Haida, the National Weather Service, the American Red Cross and the University of Alaska Southeast will also provide information and flood preparedness resources.
As Juneau enters its glacial lake outburst flood season, CBJ officials urged residents to sign up for the city’s emergency alert system at bit.ly/CBJAlerts
Officials outlined the city’s “Ready, Set, Go” alert process:
- READY: (We are here.) The best way to stay informed with the latest flood preparedness tips, news and updates is by signing up for CBJ Emergency Alerts
- SET: Once the US National Weather Service Juneau Alaska determines the Basin is full, CBJ and our partners will issue evacuation advisories via SMS text (push notification, no opt-in required). Alerts with evacuation instructions will also go out via email, social media, website and printed door hangars in the forecasted flood area. A flood information hotline will be available
- GO: once the Basin begins to release, a FLOOD WARNING will be issued by the National Weather Service. CBJ, Tlingit & Haida, Alaska Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management Alaska Department of Transportation & Public Facilities and partner agencies will push out evacuation advisories through all available channels
- ALL CLEAR: Once floodwaters recede and the area is deemed safe, CBJ will issue an “All Clear” message.
