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.
"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.
