Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy has issued a state disaster declaration in response to the imminent threat of flooding from a glacier lake outburst at Suicide Basin..
The declaration follows a joint disaster declaration and request for assistance from the City and Borough of Juneau and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida.
Hydrologists with the National Weather Service and the U.S. Geological Survey said the amount of water held in Suicide Basin has reached or exceeded levels seen in past flood-of-record events. A release could happen at any time, potentially flooding the Mendenhall River and surrounding neighborhoods in the Mendenhall Valley.
The area has faced severe flooding for two consecutive years, including a 2024 event that damaged homes, utilities and public infrastructure and led to state and federal disaster declarations. Flood control barriers have since been installed along more than two miles of the Mendenhall River.
“By issuing this declaration before the flood occurs, we can position state resources and personnel in advance to support local and tribal governments in their efforts to protect lives, homes, and essential services,” said Governor Dunleavy. “Our goal is to act early to reduce impacts and preserve community safety.”
The State Emergency Operations Center is supporting local and tribal efforts with interagency coordination, emergency permitting, public messaging and preparations for protective actions.
