In brief
Concerns over critical flooding have led to urgent evacuations across parts of Juneau, Alaska, as water from the Mendenhall Glacier’s melting ice begins to overflow its natural dam. Officials have alerted residents about the potential for record-breaking floods in the area, prompting many to leave their homes. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a flood warning as meltwater flows into the Mendenhall River and exacerbates the threat to nearby properties.
On Tuesday, local authorities confirmed that water had begun surging from the ice dam. The glacier, a significant draw for tourists, sits approximately 12 miles (19km) from Juneau. NWS reported that water levels initially reached 9.85ft (3m) on Tuesday, below the 14ft threshold for major flooding. However, by Wednesday morning, levels soared past 16ft, indicating a crest and indicating a likelihood of record-breaking flooding. "This will yield a new record, according to all our data," noted meteorologist Nicole Ferrin during a press briefing. The Juneau city website helped clarify the situation, stating that glacial lake outburst floods occur when accumulated meltwater drains rapidly, akin to pulling a plug from a bathtub. When the water grows too significant, it can surge over glaciers that previously trapped it.In response to the imminent threat, Alaska Governor Mike Dunleavy declared a state disaster on Sunday, emphasizing the risk of catastrophic flooding due to the glacial lake outburst flood (GLOF). Flood risk has been a recurring issue in Juneau since 2011, with last year's floods causing damage to hundreds of homes, leaving the community on edge as they brace for potential disaster once again.
