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UPDATE: Flood warning issued for Mendenhall Lake and River Cancelled

NOTN- Officials issued a flood warning today for the Mendenhall Lake and River after gauges showed that Suicide basin had begun releasing water.

The National Weather Service said flooding is imminent or already occurring near the glacier visitor center, Mendenhall Campground, Skaters Cabin Road, View Drive and possibly downstream of the Back Loop bridge. The warning remains in effect until around 8:00 am to 12:00 pm tomorrow.

Officials from the National Weather Service in Juneau said in an interview that the flood is expected to crest at around 11.5 to 11.9 feet, it’s not expected to be on the same scale as the flood that struck in August.

“This one’s going to come out significantly lower,” said Jeff Garmon with National Weather Service Juneau, “That doesn’t mean there won’t be impacts, but it’s not the same situation we were facing in August.”

Garmon advised residents to monitor updates from the City and Borough of Juneau for any evacuation guidance but said no immediate evacuations were being recommended.

He added that forecasters are continuing to refine projections as new data becomes available.

“We’re working with CBJ right now. We’ll have more information going out on social media.” He said.

This story has been updated as of Tuesday morning to reflect the National Weather Service had warned water from Suicide Basin could crest near 12 feet overnight, but the river actually peaked lower about 9.6 feet around 7:30 p.m. Monday, just shy of the moderate flood stage.

The Flood Warning for the Mendenhall Lake and River has since been cancelled. Levels have been steadily dropping and were already below minor flood stage by 10 p.m.

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Residents in Juneau prepare for possible glacial flooding

The Mendenhall Glacier. (Photo by Becky Bohrer.AP)

By Mark Thiessen, Associated Press

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) — Residents and officials in Alaska’s capital city prepared Friday for the possibility of glacial flooding that in past years has swept away houses, swamped several hundred homes and eroded the river fed by the popular Mendenhall Glacier.

The state, federal, city and tribal officials who would run an incident command center during any flooding held a briefing to outline steps and to issue pleas to the public to be prepared.

The threat of so-called glacier outburst flooding has become an annual concern in parts of Juneau since 2011. The Mendenhall Glacier — a thinning, retreating glacier that is a major tourist attraction in southeast Alaska — acts as a dam for a basin that fills each spring and summer with rainwater and snowmelt.

The basin itself was left behind when a smaller, nearby glacier retreated.

When the water in the basin creates enough pressure, it forces its way under or around the ice dam created by the Mendenhall Glacier, entering Mendenhall Lake and eventually the Mendenhall River.

The water level in the basin as of Friday stood at 1,353 feet and continues to rise, said Nicole Ferrin with the National Weather Service. It’s just 15 feet from topping the ice dam.

Flash floods like the one that swept through Texas are 

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CBJ, Tlingit & Haida issue coordinated disaster declarations ahead of 2025 glacial lake outburst

A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley on Tuesday morning. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)
A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)
A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley on Tuesday morning. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)
A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley.
(Image courtesy of Rich Ross)

JUNEAU – The City and Borough of Juneau and the Central Council of the Tlingit & Haida Tribes of Alaska have issued coordinated emergency disaster declarations ahead of a potentially historic glacial lake outburst flood from Suicide Basin near the Mendenhall Glacier.

Hydrologic data shows the water level could exceed past records, prompting proactive action to protect lives, property, and infrastructure. Officials say while flood barriers are in place, no risks will be taken.

Tlingit & Haida Vice President Jackie Pata says this step ensures “every tool is in place before the water rises,” following last year’s devastating flood.

The declarations allow emergency teams to mobilize now, activate equipment, establish permitting, and to provide public alerts. City Manager Katie Koester says this year, “We’re not just responding, we’re ready.”

Residents are urged to stay informed and prepared for possible evacuation. Visit JuneauFlood.com or the CBJ website for updates and resources.

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Local leaders, Army Corps coordinate on long-term flood solutions

Photo provided by CBJ following the installation of the HESCO barrier project
Photo provided by CBJ following the installation of the HESCO barrier project

NOTN- Deputy Mayor Greg Smith joined KINY’s morning show on Thursday to recap Wednesday’s joint flood initiative meeting, discussing long-term solutions for flooding caused by the Mendenhall Glacier’s Suicide Basin.

In the short term, HESCO barriers remain the primary line of defense for vulnerable neighborhoods.

“We’re approaching historical release times” said Smith, “I mean, of course, everyone is crossing their fingers and just hoping for the best possible outcome.”

The Army Corps emphasized that a more permanent solution—such as a levee around Mendenhall Lake, is likely necessary. But planning and engineering such infrastructure takes time.

“they’re doing studies, but they need to know, you know, what is the risk from Suicide basin, in 5 years, what’s the risk in 50 years? There are more basins back up behind the glacier, and they need to know what those situations could be.” He said, “There’s a lot of factors that go into it. So for them to engineer a viable, long-term solution that will not fail, it does take time. We’ve heard them say it’s probably the top issue for the Army Corps in the state of Alaska.”

A federally funded technical study is underway, and officials hope that data from current modeling and previous floods will help shorten the usual multi-year timeline.

Still, even an expedited timeline might take seven years or more, but Smith says he’s optimistic about that timeline.

“The fact that we just got federal money to do this technical study is tremendous.” Said Smith.

With the Alaska Legislature back in town for the special session, Smith urged residents to take the opportunity to raise the issue with state lawmakers.

“I think some of the takeaways for people, is letting our congressional staff or congressional delegation know the importance.”

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